Image forming apparatus associating with other apparatuses through network

ABSTRACT

In an image forming apparatus, screen information for displaying a plurality of function options available for a predetermined process is generated. A screen generating program and option information showing the plurality of function options is transmitted in response to an request from an apparatus that is connected through a network and the user uses. The predetermined process is conducted by using a hardware resource when receiving the setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user from the plurality of the function options that the apparatus displays by executing said screen generating program, from the apparatus.

This present application is a Divisional Application of Ser. No.10/223,427, filed Aug. 20, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,359,074, whichclaims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese PatentApplication Nos. 2001-249279 filed Aug. 20, 2001; 2001-344977 filed Nov.9, 2001; 2002-236657 filed Aug. 14, 2002; 2002-236658 filed Aug. 14,2002; 2002-236659 filed Aug. 14, 2002; and 2002-236660 filed Aug. 14,2002, entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to apparatuses for forming animage and methods thereof, and more particularly to an apparatus forforming an image associating with other apparatuses through a networkand a method thereof, in which an image input/output apparatus, such asa copier, a facsimile or a like connected through the network to eachother, for inputting and outputting an image, an image outputtingapparatus such as a printer for outputting an image, an image storingapparatus such as a file server, various databases or a like, or animage processing apparatus or an image input/output apparatus forsending image data to the other image processing apparatus which can beassociated with each other through the network.

Also, the present invention relates to an apparatus for forming an imageassociating with other apparatuses through a network and a methodthereof, so that based on the image data received from the other imageprocessing apparatus or the image input/output apparatus, the imageprocessing apparatus or the image input/output apparatus outputs animage, conducts a predetermined image process, or stores the image databy associating with each other.

2. Description of the Related Art

For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2000-6496discloses an invention as a conventional technique for processing theimage data for the image processing apparatus or image input/outputapparatus connected through the network. Objects of the inventiondisclosed by Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2000-6496 are toprovide the image processing apparatus connectable to an informationoutputting apparatus through the network in that when an image is outputto all apparatuses on the network, an output image quality can bemaintained. In the invention of Laid-Open Patent Application No.2000-6496, correction data for an image process is obtained through thenetwork, an optimum image correction is conducted to output, and then,have the apparatuses connected through the network output the imagebased on image data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an apparatusfor forming an image associating with other apparatuses and a methodthereof in which the above-mentioned problems are eliminated.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide anapparatus for forming an image associating with other apparatusesthrough a network and a method thereof, in which an image input/outputapparatus, such as a copier, a facsimile or a like connected through thenetwork to each other, for inputting and outputting an image, an imageoutputting apparatus such as a printer for outputting an image, an imagestoring apparatus such as a file server, various databases or a like, oran image processing apparatus or an image input/output apparatus forsending image data to the other image processing apparatus which can beassociated with each other through the network.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, comprising: a screen generating part generatingscreen information allowing a user to set at least one function optionfrom a plurality of function options available for a predeterminedprocess; a transmitting part transmitting a screen generating programrealizing the screen generating part and option information showing theplurality of function options in response to an request from anapparatus that is connected through a network and the user uses; aprocess controlling part controlling the predetermined process by usinga hardware resource for conducting the predetermined process based on asetting parameter when receiving, from the apparatus, the settingparameter indicating the function option set by the user from theplurality of the function options displayed at the apparatus byexecuting the screen generating program.

According to the present invention, since the screen generating programand the option information are transmitted the apparatus used by theuser through the network, the user at the apparatus can set desiredfunction options by utilizing a screen of the image forming apparatusthrough the network. In addition, it is possible for the user to havethe image forming apparatus conduct the process through the network.Therefore, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have thescreen generating programs providing the same screens as the imageforming apparatus in order to utilize the process provided by the imageforming apparatus. Moreover, the apparatus used by the user is notrequired to have the same process as the image forming apparatus.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generating screeninformation allowing a user to set at least one first function optionfrom a plurality of first function options available for a predeterminedprocess; a replacing part replacing the screen generating part byexecuting a screen generating program based on option informationshowing a plurality of second function options sent from the apparatus;and a process requesting part requesting the predetermined process ofthe apparatus by sending a setting parameter showing at least one secondfunction option set by the user from a screen displayed based on thescreen information generated by the screen generating part, which isreplaced by the replacing part.

According to the present invention, since an original screen generatingpart can be replaced by the screen generating program and the optioninformation received from the apparatus (multi-functional image formingapparatus) connected through the network.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including: a screen generating program generatingscreen information allowing the user to set at least one functionoption, based on option information showing a plurality of functionoption available for a predetermined process; a screen Web serviceproviding process part providing the screen generating program and theoption information as a first process result for a request received froman apparatus, that is connected through a network and the user uses; anda process Web service providing process part providing controlling thepredetermined process by utilizing a hardware resource for conductingthe predetermined process based on the setting parameter, and providinga result of the predetermined process as a second process result, whenreceiving a setting parameter indicating the function option set by theuser from the plurality of the function options displayed at theapparatus by executing the screen generating program.

According to the present invention, as the Web service, it is possibleto provide the screen generating program and the option information tothe apparatus used by the user through the network, and to provide aprocess result of conducting the predetermined process when the settingparameter is received from the apparatus.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including:

a Web server part controlling a request and a response with an apparatusconnected through a network and an internal processing part; a Webbrowser part issuing the request by an input of the user and displayingthe response received from the Web server part; and a Web service clientpart sending the request from the Web server part to the apparatus inaccordance with a predetermined message exchanging protocol, andreceiving the response for the request from the apparatus in accordancewith the predetermined message exchanging protocol.

According to the present invention, since the image forming apparatusincludes the Web server part, the Web browser part, and the Web serviceclient part, it is possible to process the request and the responsebetween the Web browser part and the internal processing part, andbetween the apparatus (multi-functional image forming apparatus)connected through the network and the apparatus itself.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generatingcoordinate parameter showing a plurality of display componentscorresponding a plurality of function options to display at a displayunit and position coordinates for arranging the plurality of displaycomponents based on option information showing the plurality of thefunction options available for a predetermined process; a transmittingpart transmitting the option information and the coordinate parameter inresponse to an request from an apparatus that is connected through anetwork and the user uses; a process controlling part controlling thepredetermined process by using a hardware resource for conducting thepredetermined process based on a setting parameter when receiving, fromthe apparatus, the setting parameter indicating the function option setby the user from the plurality of the function options that theapparatus displays by using the coordinate parameter.

According to the present invention, since the option information and thecoordinate parameter are transmitted the apparatus used by the userthrough the network, the user at the apparatus can set desired functionoptions by utilizing a screen of the image forming apparatus through thenetwork. In addition, it is possible for the user to have the imageforming apparatus conduct the process through the network. Therefore,the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the screengenerating programs providing the same screens as the image formingapparatus in order to utilize the process provided by the image formingapparatus. Moreover, the apparatus used by the user is not required tohave the same process as the image forming apparatus.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generating afirst coordinate parameter showing a plurality of display componentscorresponding a plurality of first function options to display at adisplay unit and position coordinates for arranging the plurality ofdisplay components based on first option information showing theplurality of the first function options available for a predeterminedprocess; a replacing part replacing the first coordinate parameter withsecond coordinate parameter showing a plurality of display componentscorresponding a plurality of second function options available for anapparatus selected by a user and position coordinates for arranging theplurality of display components, the position coordinates and the secondcoordinate parameter sent from the apparatus connected through anetwork; and a process requesting part requesting the apparatus toconduct the predetermined process by sending a setting parameterindicating at least one second function option that is set by the userfrom the plurality of the second function options displayed using thesecond coordinate parameter.

According to the present invention, the screen generating part, thatgenerates the first coordinate parameter for displaying the functionoption of the image forming apparatus itself, can display the screen byusing the second parameter for displaying the function options of theapparatus selected by the user and connected through the network.Moreover, the setting parameter indicating the second function optionsthat is set by the user is sent to the apparatus. Therefore, it ispossible to request the apparatus to conduct a process in accordancewith the setting parameter. For example, even if the functions of thisimage forming apparatus are lower than those of the apparatus selectedby the user and connected through the network, the user can utilizehigher functions of the apparatus selected by the user from the imageforming apparatus.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including:

a screen Web service providing process part providing the optioninformation showing a plurality of function options available for apredetermined process, and a coordinate parameter showing a plurality ofdisplay components corresponding to the plurality of the functionoptions to display at a display unit and position coordinates forarranging the plurality of the display components, as a first processresult for a request received from an apparatus, that is connectedthrough a network and the user uses; and a process Web service providingprocess part controlling the predetermined process by utilizing ahardware resource for conducting the predetermined process based on thesetting parameter, and providing a result of the predetermined processas a second process result, when receiving a setting parameterindicating the function option set by the user from the plurality of thefunction options displayed at the apparatus by using the coordinateparameter.

According to the present invention, it is possible for the image formingapparatus to provide functions as Web services to apparatuses connectedthrough the network.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including: a screen Web service providing processpart providing a coordinate parameter showing a plurality of displaycomponents corresponding to the plurality of the function options todisplay at a display unit and position coordinates for arranging theplurality of the display components, as a first process result for arequest received from an apparatus, that is connected through a networkand the user uses; and a process Web service providing process partcontrolling the predetermined process by utilizing a hardware resourcefor conducting the predetermined process and providing a result of thepredetermined process as a second process result, based on a settingparameter generated so as to indicate the function option correspondingto the setting position coordinate, when receiving, from the apparatus,a setting position coordinate of the function option set by the userfrom a screen that the apparatus displays using the coordinateparameter.

According to the present invention, the screen generating part, thatgenerates the first coordinate parameter for displaying the functionoption of the image forming apparatus itself, can display the screen byusing the second parameter for displaying the function opt ions of theapparatus selected by the user and connected through the network.Moreover, the setting parameter indicating the second function optionsthat is set by the user is sent to the apparatus. Therefore, it ispossible to request the apparatus to conduct a process in accordancewith the setting parameter. For example, even if the functions of thisimage forming apparatus are lower than those of the apparatus selectedby the user and connected through the network, the user can utilizehigher functions of the apparatus selected by the user from the imageforming apparatus.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including:

a Web service client part controlling a process request requesting anapparatus, that is connected through a network, to conduct apredetermined process and a process response providing a process resultfor the process request from the apparatus, in accordance with apredetermined message exchanging protocol; a screen processing partdisplaying a screen at a display unit based on a coordinate parametershowing a plurality of display components corresponding to a pluralityof function options to display available for the predetermined processof the apparatus at a display unit and position coordinates forarranging the plurality of the display components, the coordinateparameter obtained from the apparatus; and a controlling partinstructing the screen processing part to display the screen based onthe process response concerning a screen display sent from the Webservice client part, and instructing the Web service client part to sendthe process request to the apparatus in response to an event sent fromthe screen processing part.

According to the present invention, even if the functions of the imageforming apparatus as Web service client is lower than those of anapparatus selected by the user and connected through the network, theuser can utilize higher functions of the apparatus selected by the userfrom the image forming apparatus.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generating screeninformation for displaying a plurality of function options based onoption information showing the plurality of the function optionsavailable for a predetermined process; a transmitting part transmittingthe option information in response to an request from an apparatus thatis connected through a network and the user uses; a process controllingpart controlling the predetermined process by using a hardware resourcefor conducting the predetermined process based on a setting parameterwhen receiving, from the apparatus, the setting parameter indicating thefunction options set by the user from the plurality of the functionoptions that the apparatus displays by using the option information.

According to the present invention, since the option information istransmitted the apparatus used by the user through the network, the userat the apparatus can set desired function options by utilizing a screenof the image forming apparatus through the network. In addition, it ispossible for the user to have the image forming apparatus conduct theprocess through the network. Therefore, the apparatus used by the useris not required to have the screen generating programs providing thesame screens as the image forming apparatus in order to utilize theprocess provided by the image forming apparatus. Moreover, the apparatusused by the user is not required to have the same process as the imageforming apparatus.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generating firstscreen information for displaying a plurality of function options basedon first option information showing the plurality of the first functionoptions available for a predetermined process; a replacing partreplacing the first screen information with second screen informationfor displaying a plurality of second function options available for anapparatus selected by a user, the second screen information sent fromthe apparatus connected through a network; and a process requesting partrequesting the apparatus to conduct the predetermined process by sendinga setting parameter indicating at least one second function options thatare set by the user from the plurality of the second function optionsdisplayed based on the second screen information.

According to the present invention, the screen generating part, thatgenerates the first screen information for displaying the functionoptions of the image forming apparatus itself, can display the screen byusing the second screen information for displaying the function optionsof the apparatus selected by the user and connected through the network.Moreover, the setting parameter indicating the second function optionsthat are set by the user is sent to the apparatus. Therefore, it ispossible to request the apparatus to conduct a process in accordancewith the setting parameter. For example, even if the functions of thisimage forming apparatus are lower than those of the apparatus selectedby the user and connected through the network, the user can utilizehigher functions of the apparatus selected by the user from the imageforming apparatus.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming method, including the steps of: (a) generating screeninformation for displaying a plurality of function options based onoption information showing the plurality of the function optionsavailable for a predetermined process; (b) transmitting the optioninformation in response to an request from an apparatus that isconnected through a network and the user uses; (c) controlling thepredetermined process by using a hardware resource for conducting thepredetermined process based on a setting parameter when receiving, fromthe apparatus, the setting parameter indicating the function options setby the user from the plurality of the function options that theapparatus displays by using the option information.

According to the present invention, since the option information aretransmitted the apparatus used by the user through the network, the userat the apparatus can set desired function options by utilizing a screenof the image forming apparatus through the network. In addition, it ispossible for the user to have the image forming apparatus conduct theprocess through the network. Therefore, the apparatus used by the useris not required to have the screen generating programs providing thesame screens as the image forming apparatus in order to utilize theprocess provided by the image forming apparatus. Moreover, the apparatusused by the user is not required to have the same process as the imageforming apparatus.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including: a system information obtaining partobtaining system information concerning hardware resource, that isavailable to configure a system and used to determine a plurality offunction options selectively set for a predetermined process conductedby utilizing the hardware resource; a transmitting part transmitting thesystem information in response to an request from an apparatus that isconnected through a network and the user uses; a process controllingpart controlling the predetermined process by using a hardware resourcefor conducting the predetermined process based on a setting parameterwhen receiving, from the apparatus, the setting parameter indicating thefunction option set by the user from the plurality of the functionoptions that the apparatus displays by using the system information.

According to the present invention, since the system information istransmitted the apparatus used by the user through the network, the userat the apparatus can set desired function options by utilizing a screenof the image forming apparatus through the network. In addition, it ispossible for the user to have the image forming apparatus conduct theprocess through the network. Therefore, the apparatus used by the useris not required to have the screen generating programs providing thesame screens as the image forming apparatus in order to utilize theprocess provided by the image forming apparatus. Moreover, the apparatusused by the user is not required to have the same process as the imageforming apparatus.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generating firstscreen information for displaying a plurality of function option basedon first option information showing the plurality of the first functionoptions available for a predetermined process; a replacing partreplacing the first screen information with second screen informationfor displaying a plurality of second function options available for anapparatus selected by a user, wherein the second screen informationgenerated based on system information concerning hardware resourceavailable to configure a system, the predetermined process is conductedby utilizing the hardware resource at the apparatus, the second screeninformation is sent from the apparatus connected through a network; anda process requesting part requesting the apparatus to conduct thepredetermined process by sending a setting parameter indicating at leastone second function option that is set by the user from the plurality ofthe second function options displayed based on the second screeninformation.

According to the present invention, the screen generating part, thatgenerates the first screen information for displaying the functionoptions of the image forming apparatus itself, can display the screen byusing the second screen information for displaying the function optionsof the apparatus selected by the user and connected through the network.Moreover, the setting parameter indicating the second function optionsthat is set by the user is sent to the apparatus. Therefore, it ispossible to request the apparatus to conduct a process in accordancewith the setting parameter. For example, even if the functions of thisimage forming apparatus are lower than those of the apparatus selectedby the user and connected through the network, the user can utilizehigher functions of the apparatus selected by the user from the imageforming apparatus.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an imageforming method, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining systeminformation concerning hardware resource, that is available to configurea system and used to determine a plurality of function optionsselectively set for a predetermined process conducted by utilizing thehardware resource; (b) transmitting the system information in responseto an request from an apparatus that is connected through a network andthe user uses; (c) controlling the predetermined process by using ahardware resource for conducting the predetermined process based on asetting parameter when receiving, from the apparatus, the settingparameter indicating the function option set by the user from theplurality of the function options that the apparatus displays by usingthe system information.

According to the present invention, since the system information istransmitted the apparatus used by the user through the network, the userat the apparatus can set desired function options by utilizing a screenof the image forming apparatus through the network. In addition, it ispossible for the user to have the image forming apparatus conduct theprocess through the network. Therefore, the apparatus used by the useris not required to have the screen generating programs providing thesame screens as the image forming apparatus in order to utilize theprocess provided by the image forming apparatus. Moreover, the apparatusused by the user is not required to have the same process as the imageforming apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of theMF-apparatus integrating multiple image forming functions according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of theMF-apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional configurations of the imageinput/output application and the transmission application according tothe first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the process patterns in a case of utilizingthe higher functions of the MF-apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the example of the input screen;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realizea display of the input screen of the MF-apparatus at an SF-apparatus,according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the example of the image process screen;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realizea display of the image process screen of the MF-apparatus at theSF-apparatus, according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the example of the output screen;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow torealize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at theSF-apparatus, according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the example of the document list screen;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow torealize a display of the document list screen of the MF-apparatus at theSF-apparatus, according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 1 shownin FIG. 4, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 2 shownin FIG. 4, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 3 shownin FIG. 4, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 4 shownin FIG. 4, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of theMF-apparatus providing the Web service concerning the image process,according to a second embodiment of the present invention, according toa second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the example of the functional configurationof the SF-apparatus including a Web browser according to the secondembodiment of the present invention, according to the second embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed at theoperation panel by the Web browser, according to the second embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of theMF-apparatus providing the Web service concerning the image processaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing functional configurations of the imageinput/output application and the transmission application according tothe fourth embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow torealize a display of the input screen of the MF-apparatus at theSF-apparatus;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow torealize a display of the image process screen of the MF-apparatus atSF-apparatus;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow torealize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 at theSF-apparatus;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 1 shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 2 shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 3 shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 4 shownin FIG. 4

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a first functional configuration of theMF-apparatus 1200 providing the Web service concerning the image processaccording to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a first functional configuration of theclient apparatus receiving the Web service form the MF-apparatus shownin FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a second functional configuration of theMF-apparatus providing the Web service concerning the image process,according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a second functional configuration of theclient apparatus receiving the Web service from the MF-apparatus shownin FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example a screen displayed at the clientapparatus;

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing functional configurations of the imageinput/output application and the transmission application according tothe sixth embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a flow chart diagram for explaining the process flow torealize a display of the input screen of the MF-apparatus at theSF-apparatus;

FIG. 36 is a flow chart diagram for explaining the process flow torealize a display of the image process screen of the MF-apparatus atSF-apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow torealize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at theSF-apparatus;

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 1 shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 2 shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 3 shownin FIG. 4

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 4 shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing functional configurations of the imageinput/output application and the transmission application according tothe seventh embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the example of the input screen;

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing the example of the image process screen;

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing the example of the output screen;

FIG. 46 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow torealize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at theSF-apparatus;

FIG. 47 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow torealize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at theSF-apparatus; and

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an example of the process using the userinterface realized by the screens and the process flow described in FIG.43 through FIG. 47.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

A functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to afirst embodiment of the present invention, which integrates multipleimage forming functions, is shown as FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the imageforming apparatus is called an MF-apparatus (Multi-Functional imageforming apparatus). FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functionalconfiguration of the MF-apparatus integrating multiple image formingfunctions according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, an MF-apparatus 1200 includes software 1210 including aplatform 1220, an application 1230, and a plotter 1321 as a hardwareresource for conducting a printing process, a scanner 1324 as a hardwareresource for conducting a scanning process.

A boot part 1240 is executed first when the MF-apparatus 1200 is poweredon, and the boot part 1240 activates the platform 1220 and theapplication 1230.

An API (Application Program Interface) 1205 provides an interfacebetween the application 1230 and the platform 1220. The platform 1220receives a process request from the application 1230 sent via the API1205, and manages one or a plurality of the hardware resources. Theplatform 1220 includes an SRM (system resource manager) 1223 formediating an obtaining request from a control service 1250 and an OS(Operating System) 1221.

The control service 1250 is formed by a plurality of service modules. Indetail, the control service 1250 includes an SCS (System controlservice) 1222, an ECS (Engine Control Service) 1224, an MCS (MemoryControl Service) 1225, an OCS (Operation panel Control Service) 1226, anFCS (FAX Control Service) 1227, an NCS (Network Control Service) 1228,and an IMH (Imaging Memory Handler) 1229.

The OS 1221 is an operating system such as UNIX™, and executes eachsoftware of the platform 1220 and the application 1230 as a process inparallel. By using UNIX™ as an open source, a program can be secured, anapplication to a network can be realized, and a source code of UNIX™ canbe easily obtained. In addition, royalty of the OS 1221 and TCP/IP arenot required. Also, an outsourcing can be easily realized.

SRM 1223 as well as SCS 1222 controls a system and manages hardwareresources via an engine interface 1204 and a like, mediates a requestfrom upper layers utilizing hardware resources: an engine part such asthe scanner 1324, the plotter 1321, and the like, a memory, an HDD file,host I/Os (a centro I/F, a network I/F, an IEEE1394 I/F, RS232C I/F, anda like) and control the hardware resources based on the request.

In detail, the SRM 1223 determines whether or not a hardware resourcerespective to the request is available to a user (that is, the hardwareresource is being used for another request). When the hardware resourceis available, the SRM 1223 informs the upper layer conducing the requestthat the hardware resource respective to the request is available touse. In addition, the SRM 1223 may conduct a utilization scheduling ofthe hardware resources in respect to the request sent from the upperlayers, and directly conducts an indication of the request (for example,operations for conveying paper sheets or forming an image by a printerengine (the plotter 1321), an operation of securing memory, an operationof generating a file, or a like).

The SCS 1222 conducts a plurality of functions: an applicationmanagement (function 1), an operation panel control (function 2), asystem screen display (a job list screen, a counter display screen, anda like) (function 3), an LED display (function 4), a resource management(function 5), an interruption application control (function 6), and alike. In detail, the application management (function 1) conductsprocesses for registering an application and informing informationrelated to the registration of the application to other applications.The operation panel control (function 2) conducts an exclusive controlfor a use right of the operation panel in respect with the applications.The system screen display (function 3) displays a warning screencorresponding to a state of the engine part, in response to the requestfrom the application having the use right of the operation panel. TheLED display (function 4) controls a display of a system LED such as awarning LED, an application key, and a like. The resource management(function 5) provides service due to the exclusive control of the engineresources (the scanner 1324, a stapler (not shown), and a like) thatshould be exclusive when the ECS 1224 (application) executes a job. Theinterruption application control (function 6) conducts a control orservice for a priority operation in respect to a special application.

The ECS 1224 controls the engine part such as the plotter 1321, thescanner 1324, other hardware resources 1203, and a like, and conducts animage reading operation and a printing operation, a state informingoperation, a jam recovering operation, and a like.

The MCS 1225 conducts a memory control. In detail, the MCS 1225 obtainsand releases an image memory, utilizes a hard disk device (HD),compresses and expands an image data.

The OCS 1226 is a module for controlling the operation panel as acommunicating part between an operator (user) and a controller of theMF-apparatus 1200. The OCS 1226 conducts a process for informing thecontroller an event occurred by a key operation of the operator, aprocess for providing library functions in order for each application tobuild a GUI, a process for managing GUI information for eachapplication, and a process for reflecting a display to the operationpanel.

The FCS 1227 provides the API 1205 for a facsimile sending/receivingoperation to ¥ from each application using a PSTN/ISDN, for aregistering/quoting operation in respect to various facsimile datamanaged in a BKM (BacKup SRAM), for a facsimile reading operation, for afacsimile receiving and printing operation, and for an integratedsending/receiving operation.

The NCS 1228 is a module group for providing service in order for theapplication requiring a network I/O to share the network I/O. The NCS1228 distributes data received in accordance with each protocol from thenetwork to each application, and mediates for the applications when theapplication send data to the network. For example, the NCS 1228 includesat least an httpd (HyperText Transfer Protocol Daemon) 2 forcommunicating with apparatuses connected through the network, and an FTP2 (File Transfer Protocol) 3 for transmitting files related to imageinput/output interfaces.

The IMH 1229 maps image data from a virtual memory area to a physicalmemory area. When a process is activated, the IMH 1229 conducts a systemcall, maps the virtual memory area for the process, and releases thevirtual memory area mapped for the process when the process isterminated.

The application 1230 includes a plurality of applications: a printerapplications 1211 for a printer having a Page Description Language(PDL), PCL and Post Script (PS), a copy application 1212 for a copier,an FAX application 1213 for a facsimile, a scanner application 1214 fora scanner, a net file application 1215 for a network file, an imageinput/output application 1216 for controlling an image input/output, atransmission application 1217 for transmitting image input/outputinterface files, and a document list application 1218 for providing alist of documents managed in the MF-apparatus 1200. Since each of theapplications 1211 through 1218 is executed using each process on theplatform 1220, a screen display control program, which conducts a screencontrol, a key operation control, a job generation, and a like, is amain function. In addition, a new application can be loaded by thenetwork to which the NCS 1228 is connected. Also, each application canbe deleted and added.

As described above, the MF-apparatus 1200 has the platform 1220centralize and manage necessary processes to be shared among theapplications.

Next, a hardware configuration of the MF-apparatus 1200 will bedescribed. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configurationof the MF-apparatus shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, in theMF-apparatus 1200, an operation panel 1310, a USB (Universal Serial Bus)1330, the IEEE1394 1340, the plotter 1321, the scanner 1324 areconnected to an ASIC (Application Specified IC) 1301 of a controller1300 by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus 1309.

The controller 1300 connects the ASIC 1301 to a MEM-C 1302 and a HD(Hard Disk) 1303, and connects the ASIC 1301 to a CPU 1304 via an NB1305 of a CPU chip set. Because the CPU 1304 itself is not disclosed.

It should be noted that the ASIC 1301 is connected to the NB 1305 via anAGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 1308, instead of simply connecting viathe PCI bus 1309. Because a connection via the PCI bus 1309, which isslower, ends up to too low performance to execute and control aplurality of processes forming the platform 1220 and the application1230 shown in FIG. 1.

The CPU 1304 controls the entire MF-apparatus 1200. In detail, the CPU1304 activates and executes the SCS 1222, the SRM 1223, the ECS 1224,the MCS 1225, the OCS 1226, the FCS 1227, the NCS 1228, and the IMH1229, all of which form the platform 1220 on the OS 1221, as processes,respectively. Also, the CPU 1304 activates and executes the printerapplication 1211, the copy application 1212, the FAX application 1213,the scanner application 1214, the net file application 1215, the imageinput/output application 1216, transmission application 1217, and thedocument list application 1218. Also, the OS 1221 controls the scanner1324, the plotter 1321, and other hardware resources 1203.

In view that the OS 1221 of the MF-apparatus 1200 directly controls eachof the hardware resources 1321, 1324, and 1203, the OS 1221 differs froman operating system of a personal computer (PC) or a like. Becausegenerally, the PC controls a scanner, a printer, or a like as an imageforming apparatus, which is connected thereto; but the PC cannot controlhardware resources inside the image forming apparatus.

The NB 1305 serves as a bridge to connect the CPU 1304 with an MEM-P1306, an SB 1307, and the ASIC 1301, respectively. The MEM-P 1306 is asystem memory used as a drawing memory of the MF-apparatus 1200. The SB1307 is a bridge to connect the NB 1305 with a ROM (Read Only Memory), aPCI device, and a peripheral device. The MEM-C 1302 is a local memoryused as an image buffer for a copy and a coding buffer. The ASIC 1301 isan IC (Integrated Circuit) used for the image process including hardwareparts.

The HD 1303 is storage to store image data, programs, font data, forms,and a like. The operation panel 1310 is an operation part to receive aninput operation from the operator and display information for theoperator.

Therefore, in the ASIC 1301, a RAM interface to connect to the MEM-C1302 and a hardware interface to connect to the HD 1303 are provided.When the image data is input or output to or from the MEM-C 1302 or theHD 1303, the ASIC 1301 switches to the RAM interface or the hardwareinterface.

The AGP 1308 is a bus interface for a graphic accelerator card, which isprovided to improve a speed of a graphic process. The AGP 1308 canrealize improved speed of the graphic accelerator card by directlyaccessing the system memory by a higher throughput.

Functional configurations of the image input/output application 1216 andthe transmission application 1217, which other apparatuses connected tothe MF-apparatus 1200 through the network can utilize an input process,an image process, and an output process provided by the MF-apparatus1200 having the functional configuration shown in FIG. 1 and thehardware configuration shown in FIG. 2, will be described. FIG. 3 is adiagram showing functional configurations of the image input/outputapplication 1216 and the transmission application 1217. In FIG. 3, theimage input/output application 1216 mainly includes a process flowcontrol module 450 for controlling process flows of the input process,the image process, and the output process, and a UIF (User InterFace)control module 430 for controlling a screen flow to display informationat an operation panel 1310 through the OCS 1226.

The process flow control module 450 includes an input control module 410for controlling the scanner 1324 as an image reading apparatus forinputting an image, an output control module 420 for controlling theplotter 1321 as the image forming apparatus for outputting the image,and an image process module 440 for conducting the image process toinput image data 601 and generating output image data 602. The processflow control module 450 controls each process flow of the input process,the image process, and the output process conducted by the input controlmodule 410, the output control module 420, and the image process module440, respectively, or controls a series of processes thereof as a singleprocess of the entire process. For example, when the input process, theimage process, and the output process are consecutively conducted in theMF-apparatus 1200, the process flow control module 450 controls so thateach process is conducted in accordance with a predetermined processflow. In addition, as described later, when the input process, theoutput process, or the image process is specifically required, theprocess flow control module 450 controls the input control module 410,the output control module 420, or the image process module 440 so as toconduct a required process alone in accordance with the predeterminedprocess flow.

The UIF control module 430 includes an input UIF 460 for providing aninput screen, an output UIF 470 for providing an output screen, and animage process UIF 480 for providing an image process screen. The UIFcontrol module 430 controls the input UIF 460, the output UIF 470, andthe image process UIF 480 so as to display a predetermined screen at theoperation panel 1310 through the OCS 1226 in accordance with a displayflow.

In FIG. 3, first, a method, in which the UIF control module 430 controlsto display the input screen, the image process screen, and the outputscreen at the operation panel 1310 of the MF-apparatus 1200, will bedescribed.

When the MF-apparatus 1200 is booted, the process flow control module450 obtains an available apparatus configuration of the scanner 1324,the plotter 1321, and the like as system information 452 from the SCS1222. The input control module 410 determines functions for the inputprocess, which the scanner 1324 can provide, from the system information452. For example, the input control module 410 determines and obtains adocument feeder function, both sides reading function, and a like asinput option information 433. The input UIF 460 of the UIF controlmodule 430 generates an input screen coordinate parameter 462 includingimages such as texts, buttons, icons, and a like forming the inputscreen and showing position coordinates where the images are arranged,based on the input option information 433 obtained by the input controlmodule 410. The input screen displays functions, which the scanner 1324can provide, for the input process. The input screen coordinateparameter 462 generated by the input UIF 460 is sent to the OCS 1226 bythe UIF control module 430. Based on the input screen coordinateparameter 462, the OCS 1226 displays the input screen at the operationpanel 1310. When the user sets desired functions from the input screendisplayed at the operation panel 1310, the position coordinatesdisplaying the images of texts, buttons, icons, or the like selected bythe user are informed to the input UIF 460 of the UIF control module 430through the OCS 1226.

Based on the input option information 433 and the input screencoordinate parameter 462, the input UIF 460 informs the functionscorresponding to the position coordinates informed from the OCS 1226 asan input setting parameter 434 to the input control module 410, and alsoinstructs the input control module 410 to input an image. Based on theinput setting parameter 434, the input control module 410 executes thescanner application 1214 and controls the scanner 1324. Then, the inputcontrol module 410 reads in an input image 600 and executes the functionset by the user in respect to the input image 600. As a result of anexecution of the scanner 1324 controlled by the input control module410, the input image data 601 is generated.

Also, the image process module 440 determines functions for the imageprocess, which the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide, from the systeminformation 452. For example, the image process module 440 determinesand obtains a two-in-one printing function or a copy function, a frameeliminating function, a reverse function, a stamp function, and a likeas an image process option information 435, and sends the image processoption information 435 to the image process UIF 480. The image processUIF 480 of the UIF control module 430 generates an image process screencoordinate parameter 482 including images such as texts, buttons, icons,and a like forming the image process screen and showing positioncoordinates where the images are arranged, based on the image processoption information 435 sent from the image process module 440. The imageprocess screen displays functions, which the MF-apparatus 1200 canprovide, for the image process. The image process screen coordinateparameter 482 generated by the image process UIF 480 is sent to the OCS1226 by the UIF control module 430. Based on the image process screencoordinate parameter 482, the OCS 1226 displays the image process screenat the operation panel 1310. When the user sets desired functions fromthe image process screen displayed at the operation panel 1310, theposition coordinates displaying the images of texts, buttons, icons, ora like selected by the user are informed to the image process UIF 480 ofthe UIF control module 430 through the OCS 1226.

Based on the image process option information 435 and the image processscreen coordinate parameter 482, the image process UIF 480 informs thefunctions corresponding to the position coordinates informed from theOCS 1226 as an image process setting parameter 436 to the image processmodule 440, and also instructs the image process module 440 to conductthe image process in respect to the input image data 601. The imageprocess module 440 executes the image process in respect to the inputimage data 601 generated by the input control module 410. As a result,the image process module 440 generates the output image data 602.

Similarly, when the MF-apparatus 1200 is booted, the output controlmodule 420 determines functions for the output process, which theplotter 1321 can provide, from the system information 452. For example,the output control module 420 determines and obtains finisher functionssuch as a punching function, a staple function, or a like, a sortingfunction, a stack function, a print number setting function, types ofsheet trays, a both-side sheet supplying function, and a like as outputoption information 431. The output UIF 470 of the UIF control module 430generates an output screen coordinate parameter 472 including imagessuch as texts, buttons, icons, and a like forming the output screen andshowing position coordinates where the images are arranged, based on theoutput option information 431 obtained by the output control module 420.The output screen displays functions, which the plotter 1321 canprovide, for the output process. The output screen coordinate parameter472 generated by the output UIF 470 is sent to the OCS 1226 by the UIFcontrol module 430. Based on the output screen coordinate parameter 472,the OCS 1226 displays the output screen at the operation panel 1310.When the user sets desired functions from the output screen displayed atthe operation panel 1310, the position coordinates displaying the imagesof texts, buttons, icons, or a like selected by the user are informed tothe output UIF 470 of the UIF control module 430 through the OCS 1226.

Based on the output option information 431 and the output screencoordinate parameter 472, the output UIF 470 informs the functionscorresponding to the position coordinates informed from the OCS 1226 asan output setting parameter 432 to the output control module 420, andalso instructs the output control module 420 to output the output imagedata 602. Based on the output setting parameter 432, the output controlmodule 420 executes the printer application 1211 and controls theplotter 1321 to form the output image data 602 generated by the imageprocess module 440 to a paper sheet or a like and output the paper sheeton which an image is formed, from the plotter 1321.

For example, the UIF control module 430 changes a screen flow so as todisplay a screen for setting a frame width to eliminate when the imageprocess screen is displayed at the operation panel 1310, or so as todisplay a screen showing positions of staples when the output screen isdisplayed at the operation panel 1310. Also, the input optioninformation 433, the image process option information 435, and theoutput option information 431 include programs for controlling theoperation panel 1310. the input option information 433 and the outputoption information 431 as described above are information of a scanneroperation including sheet information and also include informationrelated to an operation (control) of an ADF (Automatic Document Feedingdevice). The output option information 431 is information related to thefinisher function of a printing form. Thus, the output optioninformation 431 is similar information when a copy process is conducted.

In a case in which a regular copy is conducted at the MF-apparatus 1200,from a screen displayed at operation panel 1310, an input setting, forexample, a setting of a one-side printed sheet or a both-side printedsheet, or a like, is conducted for the input process. And an imageprocess setting, for example, a setting of frame elimination, isconducted for the image process. Subsequently, an output setting, forexample, a setting of a staple or the tray, is conducted for the imageprocess. Then, a copy is started when a start button is pressed.

By a copy start, the input control module 410 receives the input settingparameter 434, and starts to input the input image 600 in accordancewith the input setting parameter 434. The input control module 410generates the input image data 601 by inputting the input image 600 tothe MF-apparatus 1200. The image process module 440 conducts imageprocess in respect to the input image data 601 in accordance with theimage process setting parameter 436 and generates the output image data602. The output image data 602 is sent to the output control module 420.The output image data 602 is output from the plotter 1321 by the outputcontrol module 420 in accordance with the output setting parameter 432.

In order for another apparatuses connected to the MF-apparatus 1200through the network to utilize the functions for the input process, theimage process, and the output process provided by the MF-apparatus 1200,in response to a request of a UIF program from another apparatus, thetransmission application 1217 transmits a respective UIF program by theFTP 3 of the NCS 1228.

When the transmission application 1217 receives a request of an inputUIF program from another apparatus connected through the network, thetransmission application 1217 transmits the input option information 433obtained by the input control module 410 when the MF-apparatus 1200 isbooted, and an input UIF program 461 realizing the input UIF 460simultaneously by the FTP 3 to the other apparatus. Similarly, when thetransmission application 1217 receives a request of an image process UIFprogram or an output UIF program from the other apparatus connectedthrough the network, the transmission application 1217 simultaneouslytransmits an image process UIF program 481 and the image process optioninformation 435, or output UIF program 471 and the output optioninformation 431 by the FTP 3 to the other apparatus.

The other apparatus downloads and executes the UIF programs 461, 471,and 481, respectively. Therefore, the user using the other apparatus canselect a plurality of functions provided by the MF-apparatus 1200 at aside of the other apparatus. In addition, a setting parameter showingfunctions set by the user is sent to the MF-apparatus 1200. TheMF-apparatus 1200 replaces the setting parameter received from the otherapparatus with a respective setting parameter of the input settingparameter 434, the image process setting parameter 436, and the outputsetting parameter 432. Therefore, it is possible for the MF-apparatus1200 to conduct a process in accordance with the setting parameter setby the user using the other apparatus.

In the functional configuration of the image input/output application1216 shown in FIG. 3, the input control module 410, the image processmodule 440, the output control module 420, and the UIF control module430 may be realized by Java™ programs. In this case, a Java VM (VirtualMemory) 450, which is shown by dashed lines, may be provided to executethe Java™ programs. The input UIF program 461, the image process UIFprogram 481, and the output UIF program 471 are also provided by theJava™ programs. Also, the input option information 433, the imageprocess option information 435, and the output option information 431are provided in a data structure readable by the Java™ programs. In theother apparatus connected through the network to the MF-apparatus 1200,if the Java™ programs can be executable, the input UIF program 461, theimage process UIF program 481, and the output UIF program 471 can beprovided without depending on hardware of the other apparatus.

For example, in a case in which the other apparatus connected to theMF-apparatus 1200 through the network has a lower function than that ofthe MF-apparatus 1200 or only a single function (hereinafter, called aSF-apparatus (single function image processing apparatus)), thisSF-apparatus downloads and executes the input UIF program 461, the imageprocess UIF program 481, or the output UIF program 471 of theMF-apparatus 1200. Therefore, it is possible for the SF-apparatus toprovide the user higher functions provided by the MF-apparatus 1200.Process patterns for utilizing the higher functions of the MF-apparatus1200 at the SF-apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 4.FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the process patterns in a case of utilizingthe higher functions of the MF-apparatus 1200. It is presumed that theSF-apparatus is used by the user, that is, the SF-apparatus conducts adisplay process for the user. The input process, the image process, orthe output process is conducted by the SF-apparatus or the MF-apparatus1200.

First, a first process pattern, in which the input process is conductedby the SF-apparatus, the image process is conducted by the MF-apparatus1200, and the output process is conducted by the SF-apparatus, will bedescribed. For example, as for a state in which the process pattern 1 isconducted, it can be considered that the user wants to use the frameeliminating function of for the image process of the MF-apparatus 1200;but the MF-apparatus 1200 is located at a far distance from the user andthe SF-apparatus is located near the user, or the MF-apparatus 1200 isbeing used by another user.

Next, a process pattern 2, in which the input process is conducted bythe MF-apparatus 1200, the image process is conducted by theMF-apparatus 1200 or the SF-apparatus, and the output process isconducted by the MF-apparatus 1200, will be described. For example, asfor a state in which the process pattern 2 is conducted, it can beconsidered that the user wants to use the ADF provided to theMF-apparatus 1200 but not the SF-apparatus as a function for the inputprocess, and wants to use the staple function of the MF-apparatus 1200as a function for the output process. Alternatively, the user wants touse the frame elimination function provided by the MF-apparatus 1200 butnot the SF-apparatus. In this state, the image process is conducted bythe MF-apparatus 1200.

Moreover, a process pattern 3 will be described in which the inputprocess is conducted by the SF-apparatus, the image process is conductedby the MF-apparatus 1200 or the SF-apparatus, the output process isconducted by the MF-apparatus 1200. For example, as for a state in whichthe process pattern 3 is conducted, it can be considered that the userwants to use the staple function of the MF-apparatus 1200 for the outputprocess after the input process is conducted by the SF-apparatus.Moreover, the user wants to use the frame eliminating function for theimage process provided by the MF-apparatus 1200 but not theSF-apparatus.

Furthermore, a process pattern 4, in which the input process isconducted by the MF-apparatus 1200, the image process is conducted bythe MF-apparatus 1200 or the SF-apparatus, and the output process isconducted by the SF-apparatus, will be described. For example, as for astate in which the process pattern 4 is conducted, it can be consideredthat the user wants to use the ADF provided at the MF-apparatus 1200 butnot a SF-apparatus as the function for the input process. In addition,in a case in that the user wants to use the frame elimination functionprovided by the MF-apparatus 1200 but not the SF-apparatus, the imageprocess is conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

Also, as other process patterns, it can be considered that the displayprocess is conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200 or other combinations.However, the object of the present invention can be described well bythe process patterns 1 through 4.

Examples of screens and process flows for displaying the functions ofthe MF-apparatus 1200 at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus will bedescribed, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.In the following explanations, it is assumed that the SF-apparatus is acopier. For the sake of convenience, examples of the screen displayed atthe operation panel of the SF-apparatus will be described. However,since the input UIF program 461, the output UIF 471, and the imageprocess UIF 481 for displaying the screens are provided from theMF-apparatus 1200, it is possible to similarly display the screen shownin FIGS. 5, 7, and 9 at the operation panel 1310 of the MF-apparatus1200.

First, an example of the input screen by the input UIF program 461 andthe input option information 433 will be described with reference toFIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the example of the input screen. InFIG. 5, the input screen G600 includes a button 61 for indicating anapparatus for conducting the input process, a button 62 for indicatingan apparatus for conducting the image process, a button 63 forindicating an apparatus for conducting the output process, a displayarea 610 for showing a list of apparatuses existing on the network andallowing the user to select one of the apparatuses, and a display area620 for showing functions processed by the apparatus selected by theuser from the display area 610 and allowing the user to select one ofthe functions.

In the input screen G600, when the user selects the button 61, thedisplay area 610 displays the list of the apparatuses that exist on thenetwork and are available for the input process. For example, thedisplay area 610 displays “COPIER” as the single functional imageprocess apparatus itself, “MF-APPARATUS” as the MF-apparatus 1200,“APPARATUS 01”, “APPARATUS 02”, “APPARATUS 03”, and “APPARATUS 04” asapparatus names. For example, when the user selects “MF-apparatus”, thedisplay area 620 displays the function that can be provided by theMF-apparatus 1200.

For example, the display area 620 displays “TEXT” for reading in theinput image 600 by a text mode, “PICTURE” for reading in the input image600 by a picture mode, “AUTO DARKNESS” for allowing “MF-APPARATUS” todetermine a darkness of the input image 600, “LIGHT” and “DARK” forallowing the user to determine the darkness of the input image 600, “ONESIDE” for reading in one side of the input image 600, and “BOTH SIDES”for reading in both sides of the input image 600. For example, when theuser selects “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “BOTH SIDES”, the inputsetting parameter showing “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “BOTH SIDES”is generated, and transmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200. The MF-apparatus1200 sets the input setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100as the input setting parameter 434, and the input control module 410controls the scanner 1324 to read in the input image 600 in accordancewith the input setting parameter 434.

A process flow, which is conducted between the MF-apparatus 1200 and theSF-apparatus 100 in response to operations of the user at the inputscreen G600, will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is aflowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a displayof the input screen G600 of the MF-apparatus 1200 at the SF-apparatus100.

In FIG. 6, when the user selects the button 61 to indicate one apparatusfor conducting the input process at the input screen G600 (step S11),the SF-apparatus 100 confirms existence of available apparatuses for theinput process in respect to all apparatuses connected through thenetwork (step S12). A method for confirming the existence of theavailable apparatuses may confirm all apparatuses existing on thenetwork by a broadcast. Alternatively, the method may confirm specificapparatuses set beforehand. In response to an existence confirmationfrom the SF-apparatus 100, the MF-apparatus 1200 existing on the networkreplies to the SF-apparatus 100 with apparatus specific informationincluding an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus 1200, an apparatusname, and a like (step S13). When the SF-apparatus 100 receives theapparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus 1200 and otherapparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the list ofthe apparatus names in the display area 610 at the input screen G600.

For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as the apparatus forconducting the input process from the display area 610 (step S14), theSF-apparatus 100 requests the input UIF program 461 of the MF-apparatus1200 (step S15). The MF-apparatus 1200 sends the input UIF program 461and the input option information 433 to the SF-apparatus 100 by the FTP3 in response to the request from the SF-apparatus 100 (step S16).

When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the input UIF program 461 and theinput option information 433 from the MF-apparatus 1200, theSF-apparatus 100 executes the input UIF program 461 (step S17). By thisexecution, the functions that can be provided by the MF-apparatus 1200are displayed in the display area 620 of the input screen G600 at theoperation panel of the SF-apparatus. From the display area 620displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “PICTURE”, “AUTODARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” (step S18), the input UIF program 461generates the input setting parameter showing “PICTURE”, “AUTODARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE”, and the input setting parameter istransmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S19).

The MF-apparatus 1200 sets the input setting parameter 434 received fromthe SF-apparatus 100 as the input setting parameter 434. Subsequently,the input control module 410 reads in the input image 600 from thescanner 1324 in accordance with the input setting parameter 434, andgenerates the input image data 601 (step S20).

Since the image input/output application 1216 sets the input settingparameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as the input settingparameter 434, the input control module 410 can conduct the inputprocess as if the user sets at the operation panel 1310 of theMF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes the inputprocess, the MF-apparatus 1200 sends an input result to the SF-apparatus100 (step S21). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus 100 displaysthe input result received from the MF-apparatus 1200 at the operationpanel (step S22).

Therefore, it is possible for the user to select the desired functionsfrom the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide,displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it ispossible to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the input process basedon the desired functions of the user. For example, even if theSF-apparatus 100 does not have “PICTURE” function, it is possible foruser to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the input process by“PICTURE” function as one of the input setting parameter 434, from theSF-apparatus.

In FIG. 6, as for the input process, the process flow between theSF-apparatus 100 and the MF-apparatus 1200 is described. Also, theprocess flow shown in FIG. 6 can be realized between two MF-apparatuses1200 and between two SF-apparatuses 100.

Next, an example of the image process screen based on the image processUIF program 481 and the image process option information 435 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing theexample of the image process screen. In FIG. 7, an image process screenG630 has the same screen structure as the input screen G600. In FIG. 7,parts that are the same as the ones in FIG. 5 are indicated by the samereference numerals and the explanation thereof will be omitted. In theimage process screen G630, when the user selects the button 62, the listof the apparatuses, which exist on the network and can conduct the imageprocess, is displayed in the display area 610. When the user selects“MF-APPARATUS”, the functions, which can be set for the image process,are displayed in the display area 620.

For example, the display area 620 displays “FRAME ELIMINATION” foreliminating shadows of a periphery of a sheet, “REVERSE” for copying byreversing image colors, “STAMP” for stamping the sheet to show that theimage process is conducted, “NOISE ELIMINATION” for correcting noisesfor the input image, “ACTUAL SIZE” for processing the input image by aactual size, “OUTPUT SHEET SIZE” for processing the input image by anoutput sheet size, “100%” for allowing the user to indicate amagnification of the image by a ten-key, “DISPLAY” for indicating theimage process including a displaying process, “EDIT” for repeating theimage in a single sheet or synthesizing different images in a singlesheet, “DIVIDE” for processing two pages at right and left sides into asingle sheet, and alike. For example, when the user selects “FRAMEELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE”, the image process settingparameter indicating “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” isgenerated. The image process setting parameter is sent to theMF-apparatus 1200. The MF-apparatus 1200 sets the image process settingparameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as the image processsetting parameter 436. Accordingly, the image process module 440conducts the image process in respect to the input image data 601 inaccordance with the image process setting parameter 436 and generatesthe output image data 602.

A process flow between the MF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 inaccordance with operations of the user at the image process screen G630will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchartdiagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of theimage process screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 at the SF-apparatus.

In FIG. 8, when the user selects the button 62 to indicate one apparatusfor conducting the image process at the image process screen G630displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 (step S51), theSF-apparatus 100 confirms existence of available apparatuses for theimage process in respect to all apparatuses connected through thenetwork (step S52). The method for confirming the existence of theavailable apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of theprocess flow for realizing a display of the input screen in FIG. 6. Inresponse to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus, theMF-apparatus 1200 existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus100 with apparatus specific information including an IP addressidentifying the MF-apparatus 1200, an apparatus name, and a like (stepS53). When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the apparatus specificinformation from the MF-apparatus 1200 and other apparatuses on thenetwork, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the list of the apparatus namesin the display area 610 at the image process screen G630.

For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as the apparatus forconducting the image process from the display area 610 (step S54), theSF-apparatus 100 requests the image process UIF program of theMF-apparatus 1200 (step S55). The MF-apparatus 1200 sends the imageprocess UIF program 481 and the image process option information 435 tothe SF-apparatus 100 by the FTP 3 in response to the request from theSF-apparatus 100 (step S56).

When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the image process UIF program 481 andthe image process option information 435 from the MF-apparatus 1200, theSF-apparatus 100 executes the image process UIF program 481 (step S57).By this execution, the functions that can be provided by theMF-apparatus 1200 are displayed in the display area 620 of the imageprocess screen G630 at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. From thedisplay area 620 displaying the functions, for example, the user selects“FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” (step S58), the imageprocess UIF program 481 generates the image process setting parametershowing “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE”, and the imageprocess setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200 (stepS59).

The MF-apparatus 1200 obtains the input image data 601 (step S60). Whenthe input process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200, theMF-apparatus 1200 obtains the input image data 601 from theSF-apparatus. The image input/output application 1216 sets the imageprocess setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as theimage process setting parameter 436. The image process module 440conducts the image process in respect to the input image data 601 inaccordance with the image process setting parameter 436 and generatesthe output image data 602 (step S61).

Since the image input/output application 1216 sets the image processsetting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as the imageprocess setting parameter 436, the image process module 440 can conductthe image process as if the user sets at the operation panel 1310 of theMF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes the imageprocess, the MF-apparatus 1200 sends an image process result to theSF-apparatus 100 (step S62). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus100 displays the image process result received from the MF-apparatus1200 (step S63).

In FIG. 8, as for the image process, the process flow between theSF-apparatus 100 and the MF-apparatus 1200 is described. Also, theprocess flow shown in FIG. 8 can be realized between two MF-apparatuses1200 and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user toselect the desired functions from the list of the functions, which theMF-apparatus 1200 can provide, displayed at the operation panel of theSF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conductthe image process based on the desired functions of the user.

Next, an example of the output screen based on the output UIF program471 and the output option information 432 will be described withreference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the example of theoutput screen. In FIG. 9, an output screen G640 has the same screenstructure as the input screen G600. In FIG. 9, parts that are the sameas the ones in FIG. 5 are indicated by the same reference numerals andthe explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the output screen G640, when the user selects the button 63, the listof the apparatuses, which exist on the network and can conduct theoutput process, is displayed in the display area 610. When the userselects “MF-APPARATUS”, the functions, which can be set for the outputprocess, are displayed in the display area 620.

For example, the display area 620 displays “SORT” for output in a pageorder for each document set, “STACK” for output for each page, “STAPLE”showing four stapling methods by four icons, “PUNCH” showing twopunching methods by two icons, and a like. For example, when the userselects one of four icons showing the four stapling methods, the outputsetting parameter indicating “SORT” and one of methods of “STAPLE” isgenerated. The output setting parameter is sent to the MF-apparatus1200. The image input/output application 1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200sets the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 asthe output setting parameter 432. Accordingly, the output control module420 conducts the output process in respect to the output image data 602in accordance with the output setting parameter 432 so as to form animage on a sheet as the output image 603 and outputs the output image603 by the plotter 1321.

A process flow between the MF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 inaccordance with operations of the user at the output screen G640 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart diagram forexplaining the process flow to realize a display of the output screen ofthe MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus.

In FIG. 10, when the user selects the button 63 to indicate oneapparatus for conducting the output process at the output screen G640displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 (step S71), theSF-apparatus 100 confirms existence of available apparatuses for theoutput process in respect to all apparatuses connected through thenetwork (step S72). The method for confirming the existence of theavailable apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of theprocess flow for realizing the display of the input screen G600 in FIG.6. In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus 100,the MF-apparatus 1200 existing on the network replies to theSF-apparatus 100 with apparatus specific information including an IPaddress identifying the MF-apparatus 1200, an apparatus name, and a like(step S73). When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the apparatus specificinformation from the MF-apparatus 1200 and other apparatuses on thenetwork, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the list of the apparatus namesin the display area 610 at the output screen G640.

For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as the apparatus forconducting the output process from the display area 610 (step S74), theSF-apparatus 100 requests the output UIF program 471 of the MF-apparatus1200 (step S75). The MF-apparatus 1200 sends the output UIF program 471and the output option information 431 to the SF-apparatus 100 by the FTP3 in response to the request from the SF-apparatus 100 (step S76).

When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the output UIF program 471 and theoutput option information 431 from the MF-apparatus 1200, theSF-apparatus 100 executes the output UIF program 471 (step S77). By thisexecution, the functions that can be provided by the MF-apparatus 1200are displayed in the display area 620 of the output screen G640 at theoperation panel of the SF-apparatus. From the display area 620displaying the functions, for example, the user selects one of fouricons corresponding to the four stapling methods (step S78), the outputUIF program 471 generates the output setting parameter indicating “SORT”and “STAPLE”, and then the output setting parameter is transmitted tothe MF-apparatus 1200 (step S79).

The MF-apparatus 1200 obtains the output image data 602 (step S80). Whenthe output process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200, theMF-apparatus 1200 obtains the output image data 602 from the singlefunctional processing apparatus. The output setting parameter, which isreceived from the SF-apparatus, is set to be the output settingparameter 432. Then, the output control module 420 conducts the outputprocess in respect to the output image data 602 in accordance with theoutput setting parameter 432 so as to form an image on the sheet as theoutput image 603 and then outputs the output image 603 (step S81).

Since the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 isset as the output setting parameter 432, the output control module 420can conduct the output process as if the user set at the operation panel1310 of the MF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes theoutput process, the output result is sent to the SF-apparatus 100 (stepS82). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the outputresult received from the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S83).

In FIG. 10, as for the output process, the process flow between theSF-apparatus 100 and the MF-apparatus 1200 is described. Also, theprocess flow shown in FIG. 10 can be realized between two MF-apparatuses1200 and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user toselect the desired functions from the list of the functions, which theMF-apparatus 1200 can provide, displayed at the operation panel of theSF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conductthe output process based on the desired functions of the user.

Next, an example of a document list screen provided by the document listapplication 1218 of the MF-apparatus 1200 will be described. FIG. 11 isa diagram showing the example of the document list screen. In FIG. 11, adocument list screen G660 has the same screen structure as the inputscreen G600. In FIG. 11, parts that are the same as the ones in FIG. 5are indicated by the same reference numerals and the explanation thereofwill be omitted. The document list screen G660 includes a button 651 forindicating one apparatus for displaying a document list, instead of thebutton 61 for indicating one apparatus for the input process at theinput screen G600. In the document list screen G660, when the userselects the button 651, the list of the apparatuses, which exist on thenetwork and can store documents, is displayed in the display area 610 inthe same manner as the input screen G600. When the user selects“MF-APPARATUS”, the list of the documents stored in the MF-apparatus1200 is displayed in the display area 620.

For example, the display area 620 displays “DOCUMENT 01”, “DOCUMENT 02”,“DOCUMENT 03”, . . . , “DOCUMENT 07”, as the document names. Forexample, when the user selects “DOCUMENT 02” and then selects thebuttons 62 and 63, it is possible for the user to have desiredapparatuses conduct the image process and the output process,respectively.

A process flow between the MF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 inaccordance with operations of the user at the document list screen G660will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flowchartdiagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of thedocument list screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus. Thedocument list application 1217 has a similar functional configuration tothe image input/output application 1216. The document list application1217 includes a UIF control module for controlling a display flow of thedocument list UIF that generates screen information configuring a screenfor the document list, and a control module for obtaining documentinformation specifying each document stored in HD 1303.

In FIG. 12, when the user selects the button 651 to indicate oneapparatus for managing the documents at the document list screen G660displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 (step S91), theSF-apparatus 100 confirms existence of available apparatuses for theoutput process in respect to all apparatuses connected through thenetwork (step S92). The method for confirming the existence of theavailable apparatuses can be the same method described in the case ofthe process flow for realizing the display of the input screen G600 inFIG. 8. In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus,the MF-apparatus 1200 existing on the network replies to theSF-apparatus 100 with apparatus specific information including an IPaddress identifying the MF-apparatus 1200, an apparatus name, and a like(step S93). When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the apparatus specificinformation from the MF-apparatus 1200 and other apparatuses on thenetwork, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the list of the apparatus namesin the display area 610 at the document list screen G660.

For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as the apparatus forconducting the output process from the display area 610 (step S94), theSF-apparatus 100 requests a document list UIF program of theMF-apparatus 1200 (step S95). The MF-apparatus 1200 sends the documentlist UIF program and document list option information to theSF-apparatus 100 by the FTP 3 in response to the request from theSF-apparatus 100 (step S96).

When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the document list UIF program and thedocument list option information from the MF-apparatus 1200, theSF-apparatus 100 executes the document list UIF program (step S97). Bythis execution, the documents that can be provided by the MF-apparatus1200 are displayed in the display area 620 of the document list screenG660 at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. From the display area620 displaying the documents, for example, the user selects “DOCUMENT02” (step S98), the document list UIF program generates the documentlist setting parameter indicating “DOCUMENT 02”. The document listsetting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S99).

The MF-apparatus 1200 sets the document list setting parameter receivedfrom the SF-apparatus 100 as a document list setting parameter of theMF-apparatus 1200, and then obtains the document information from the HD1303 in accordance with the document list setting parameter by thecontrol module (step S100). The document list setting parameter receivedfrom the SF-apparatus 100 as the document list setting parameter of theMF-apparatus 1200. Therefore, the control module can conduct a processconcerning the document list as if the user sets at the operation panel1310 of the MF-apparatus 1200. The MF-apparatus 1200 sends a documentobtaining result to the SF-apparatus 100 (step S101). At the operationpanel, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the document obtaining resultreceived from the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S102).

In FIG. 12, as for the output process, the process flow between theSF-apparatus 100 and the MF-apparatus 1200 is described. Also, theprocess flow shown in FIG. 12 can be realized between two MF-apparatuses1200 and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user toselect the desired documents from the list of the documents, which theMF-apparatus 1200 can provide, displayed at the operation panel of theSF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conductthe image process or the output process based on the documentinformation of the desired documents by the user.

The process patterns 1 through 4 based on various combinations of theinput process, the image process, and the output process shown in FIG. 4using user interfaces, which are realized by the screens G600, G630, andG640 described in FIG. 6 through FIG. 12, will be described in detailwith reference to FIG. 13 through FIG. 16. For example, an SF-apparatus(SF-apparatus) 100 shown in FIG. 13 through FIG. 16 is a single copierhaving only a copying function. For example, the SF-apparatus 100includes an input processing part 102 for reading in the input image 600formed on a sheet, an image processing part 104 for conducting the imageprocess in respect to the input image data generated by reading in theinput image 600, an output processing part 106 for forming output imagedata 603, which the image process is conducted to, on the sheet andoutputting the sheet as the output image 603, an operation panel 120operated by the user, and an operation controlling part 110 forcontrolling a display of the operation panel 120.

Moreover, the operation controlling part 110 includes at least an inputUIF 112 for providing screen information to display the input screenG600 as shown FIG. 5, an image process UIF 113 for providing the screeninformation to display the image process screen G630 as shown in FIG. 7,an output UIF 114 for providing the screen information to display theoutput screen G640 as shown in FIG. 9, an OCS 116 for controlling theoperation panel 120 based on the screen information provided from eachof the input UIF 112, the image process UIF 113, and the output UIF 114,in respect to the operation panel 120.

Furthermore, when each user interface program realizing the input UIF112, the image process UIF 113, and the output UIF 114 is a Java™program, the operation controlling part 110 includes a Java™ VM 118. Inthe SF-apparatus 100, all process parts including the OCS 116, the inputUIF 112, the image process UIF 113, and the output UIF 114 can berealized by the Java™ programs. In this case, even if the OCS 116 is notincluded in the SF-apparatus 100, the SF-apparatus 100 can be compatibleto the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 13 through FIG. 16, parts shown by dashed lines other than theJava™ VM 450 and the Java™ VM 118 are originally provided in theMF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 but not used in each of theprocess patterns 1 through 4. In addition, parts shown by double linesare replaced with data file sent from the MF-apparatus 1200 or theSF-apparatus 100.

Process Pattern 1

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 1 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 3, the display process, the input process, and theoutput process are conducted by the SF-apparatus 100, and only the imageprocess is conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

First, when the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 itself as an apparatusfor the input process at the operation panel 120, by the input UIF 112originally provided in the SF-apparatus 100, the functions for the inputprocess that the SF-apparatus 100 can provide are displayed at theoperation panel 120. When the user selects the functions, the input UIF112 generates the input setting parameter (not shown) showing thefunctions set by the user. The input processing part 102 reads in theinput image 600 in accordance with the input setting parameter (notshown) that is generated by the input UIF 112 so as to indicate thefunction set by the user and generates the input image data 601.

Next, when the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as an apparatus forconducting the image process from the operation panel 120, in accordancewith the process flow shown in FIG. 8, the image process UIF 113 isreplaced with the image process UIF 480 of the MF-apparatus 1200realized by the image process UIF program 481 and the image processoption information 435 that are obtained from the MF-apparatus 1200. Theimage process UIF 480 displays the function that the MF-apparatus 1200can provide, at the operation panel 120 through the OCS 116. When theuser selects the functions, the image process 480 generates an imageprocess setting parameter 136 indicating the function set by the user.The SF-apparatus 100 transmits the input image data 601 generated by theimage process setting parameter 136 and the input processing part 102,to the MF-apparatus 1200. The input image data 601 can be transmitted inresponse to a request from the image input/output application 1216 ofthe MF-apparatus 1200.

The image input/output application 1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200replaces the image process setting parameter 436 with the image processsetting parameter 136 received from the SF-apparatus 100. And the imageprocess module 440 conducts the image process in respect to the inputimage data 601 received from the SF-apparatus 100 based on the imageprocess setting parameter 436, and generates the output image data 602as a result. The output image data 602 is transmitted to theSF-apparatus 100. The output image data 602 can be transmitted inresponse to a request from the SF-apparatus 100.

When the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 itself as an apparatus forthe output process at the operation panel 120, by the output UIF 114originally provided in the SF-apparatus 100, the functions for theoutput process that the SF-apparatus 100 can provide are displayed, atthe operation panel 120. When the user selects the functions, the outputUIF 114 generates the output setting parameter (not shown) indicatingthe functions set by the user. The output processing part 106 forms theoutput image data 602 on the sheet in accordance with the output settingparameter (not shown) that is generated by the output UIF 114 so as toindicate the functions set by the user, and then outputs the outputimage 603.

As described above, the user can have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct theimage process only through a network 15.

Process Pattern 2

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 2 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 14, only the display process is conducted by theSF-apparatus 100, and the input process, the image process, and theoutput process are conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 14, when the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as an apparatusfor the input process, the image process, and the output process at theoperation panel 120 of the SF-apparatus 100, in accordance with theprocess flow shown in FIG. 6, the original input UIF 112 (not shown) isreplaced with the input UIF 460 of the MF-apparatus 1200 realized by theinput UIF program 461 and the input option information 433 that areobtained from the MF-apparatus 1200. The input UIF 460 displays thefunctions for the input process that the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide,at the operation panel 120 through the OCS 116. After that, the inputsetting parameter 134, which is generated by the input UIF 460 so as toindicate the functions set by the user, is sent to the MF-apparatus1200.

In the MF-apparatus 1200, the input setting parameter 113 is replaced asthe input setting parameter 434 of the image input/output application1216. The input control module 410 reads in the input image 600 andgenerates the input image data 601 at the MF-apparatus 1200.

Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in FIG. 8, theimage process UIF 480, which replaces the original image process UIF 113(not shown) at the SF-apparatus 100, displays the image process screenof the MF-apparatus 1200. The image process setting parameter 436 of theMF-apparatus 1200 is replaced with the image process setting parameter136 that indicates the functions for the image process set by the userfrom the image process screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 and is receivedfrom the SF-apparatus 100. The image process module 440 generates theoutput image data 602 based on the image process setting parameter 436.

Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in FIG. 10, theoutput UIF 470, which replaces the original output UIF 114 (not shown)at the SF-apparatus 100, displays the output screen of the MF-apparatus1200. The output setting parameter 432 of the MF-apparatus 1200 isreplaced with the output setting parameter 132, that indicates thefunctions for the image process set by the user from the image processscreen of the MF-apparatus 1200 and is received from the SF-apparatus100. The output control module 420 outputs the output image data 602based on the output setting parameter 432.

As described above, it is possible for the user to have the MF-apparatus1200 conduct all of the input process, the image process, and the outputprocess through the network 15. Alternatively, the image process can beconducted at the SF-apparatus 100. In this case, the SF-apparatus 100may obtain the input image data 601 from the MF-apparatus 1200, and sendthe output image data 602 generated after the image process is conductedto the input image data 601, as well as the output setting parameter132.

Process Pattern 3

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 3 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 15, the display process and the input process areconducted the SF-apparatus 100 and the image process and the outputprocess are conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 15, when the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 as an apparatusfor conducting the input process at the operation panel 120 of theSF-apparatus 100 and selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as an apparatus forthe image process and the output process, the input processing part 102of the SF-apparatus 100 reads in the input image 600, and generates theinput image data 601. After that, similar to the process pattern 1 shownin FIG. 13, the image process UIF 113 (not shown) originally provided inthe SF-apparatus 100 is replaced with an image process UIF 480 of theMF-apparatus 1200. After that, in the image input/output application1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, in accordance with the image processsetting parameter 436 replaced with the image process setting parameter136 received from the SF-apparatus 100, the image process module 440generates the output image data 602. Moreover, similar to the processpattern 2 shown in FIG. 14, the original output UIF 114 (not shown) ofthe SF-apparatus 100 is replaced with the output UIF 470 of theMF-apparatus 1200. After that, in the image input/output application1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, in accordance with the output settingparameter 432 replaced with the output setting parameter 132 receivedfrom the SF-apparatus 100, the output control module 420 outputs theoutput image 603.

As described above, the user can conduct the input process alone at theSF-apparatus 100, and have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the imageprocess and the output process. Alternatively, the image process can beconducted by the SF-apparatus 100. In this case, the SF-apparatus 100may send the output image data 602 generated after the image process isconduct to the input image data 601 generated by the input processingpart 102, with the output setting parameter 132.

The Process Pattern 4

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 4 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 16, the display process and output process areconducted by the SF-apparatus 100, and the input process and the imageprocess are conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 16, when the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 as an apparatusfor conducting the input process and the output process at the operationpanel 120 of the SF-apparatus 100, and selects the MF-apparatus 1200 asan apparatus for conducting the image process, similar to the processpattern 2 shown in FIG. 14, the input UIF 112 (not shown) originallyprovided in the SF-apparatus 100 is replaced with the input UIF 460 ofthe MF-apparatus 1200. After that, in the image input/output application1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, in accordance with the input settingparameter 434 replaced with the input setting parameter 134 receivedfrom the SF-apparatus 100, the input control module 410 generates theinput image data 601. Moreover, the original image process UIF 113 (notshown) of the SF-apparatus 100 is replaced with the image process UIF480 of the MF-apparatus 1200. After that, in the image input/outputapplication 1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, in accordance with the imageprocess setting parameter 436 replaced with the image process settingparameter 136 received from the SF-apparatus 100, the image processmodule 440 generates the output image data 602. Subsequently, when theSF-apparatus 100 obtains the output image data 602 from the MF-apparatus1200, the output process is conducted by the output processing part 106,and outputs the output image 603.

As described above, it is possible for the user at the SF-apparatus 100to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the input process and the imageprocess. Alternatively, the image process can be conducted by theSF-apparatus 100. In this case, the SF-apparatus 100 obtains the inputimage data 601 from the MF-apparatus 1200, and sends the output imagedata 602 generated after the image process is conducted to the inputimage data 601, with the output setting parameter 132.

Regarding the process patterns 1 through 4, a case is described in thatthe MF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 are connected to eachother through the network 15. Alternatively, the present invention canbe applied to more than three image processing apparatuses connecting toeach other through the network 15.

As described above, in the first embodiment, it is possible to input theinput image 600 by utilizing an option (the ADF, a both sides ADF, or alike) pertaining to the MF-apparatus 1200 connected to any imageprocessing apparatus through the network 15. For example, by using theMF-apparatus 1200 having the both sides ADF 1350, the user canconsecutively input the input image 600 (a plurality of documents)having an image on both sides, and also can output from the SF-apparatus100 (copier) having only a press board.

Moreover, by using an option (finisher such as a punch or a stapler)pertaining to the MF-apparatus 1200, the user can output the outputimage 603 at the MF-apparatus 1200 connected to any SF-apparatus 100through the network 15. For example, by using higher functions by fulloptions, it is possible to output the output image 603 from the copierhaving a single function or a personal computer (PC). Since the outputUIF program 471 and the output setting parameter 432 are obtainedthrough the network 15, a new user interface is not required for theSF-apparatus 100 at which the user operates. Accordingly, the user caninstruct by the same operation under the interface provided by theMF-apparatus 1200 anywhere. Also, when a new function is added to theMF-apparatus 1200 connected to the network 15, even if the SF-apparatus100 where the user operates, the user can utilize the interface foroperating the new function of the MF-apparatus 1200 and operate as ifthe user uses the MF-apparatus 1200.

Furthermore, if the MF-apparatus 1200 having higher functions exists onthe network 15, by sending the input image data 601 to the MF-apparatus1200 and the output image data 602 to the SF-apparatus 100, even theSF-apparatus 100, which does not have the image process as the higherfunctions, can realize the same higher functions as the MF-apparatus1200. In this case, means for providing and setting the higher functionsfor the image process is not required for the SF-apparatus 100 as anoperation side. Accordingly, the user operates in the same way at anySF-apparatus 100.

In the first embodiment, on the network 15, only the plotter 1321 of theMF-apparatus 1200 as an output option, the scanner 1324 of theMF-apparatus 1200 as an input option, and the SF-apparatus 100 (copier)as the input option and the output option are provided, but a pluralityof the input options and the output options can be provided. Alloptions, for example, the apparatuses connected through the network 15and the scanner, the printer, the copier, and the like can be shared asthe functions. Also, as the output, it is not limited to printing on thesheet, but as an electronic data, output data can be stored to a serverfor managing a document. Also, the input side can be a documentmanagement server for managing the electronic data, instead of the papersheet. As described above, by storing as a document, an existing imagedata can be utilized. Accordingly, data frequently used by the user aresimply maintained on the network 15, it is possible to utilize the datain many output methods by various options.

Second Embodiment

In a second embodiment, an MF-apparatus 1200W provides equivalentprocesses to those in the first embodiment, as Web service. TheMF-apparatus 1200W providing the Web service will be described accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention.

A functional configuration and a hardware configuration of theMF-apparatus 1200W providing Web services concerning the image processaccording to the second embodiment are the same as those of theMF-apparatus 1200 in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, anIP-screen Web service providing process part 244 and an IP-Web serviceproviding process parts 344, that will be described later, conductprocesses corresponding to the image input/output application 1216. Inthe second embodiment, an input screen, an image process screen, and anoutput screen are provided to a Web browser, and the MF-apparatus 1200Wprovides the input process, the image process, and the output process asthe Web services based on settings of the user. The MF-apparatus 1200Wproviding the Web services will be described with reference to FIGS. 17,18, and 19. In process examples described in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19, on anetwork 15, it is assumed that at least three image processingapparatuses; the MF-apparatus 1200, the other MF-apparatus equivalent tothe MF-apparatus 1200, and the SF-apparatus 100W, are connected to eachother. In the process examples, it is also assumed that the inputprocess is conducted by the SF-apparatus 100W, the image process isconducted by the MF-apparatus 1200, and the output process is conductedby the other MF-apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of theMF-apparatus providing the Web service concerning the image process,according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 17,for the sake of convenience, the Web service concerning the imageprocess will be described, but other Web services concerning the inputprocess, the output process, and a document list process as described inFIG. 11 and FIG. 12 can be realized in a similar functionalconfiguration.

In FIG. 17, the MF-apparatus 1200W includes an IP-screen (Image Processscreen) Web service providing process part 244, an IP-Web service (ImageProcess Web service) providing process part 344 for executing the imageprocess, and a Web server 500 for controlling communications withapparatuses connected through the network 15 by an HTTP request and anHTTP response in accordance with HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

The Web server 500 includes a distributor 30 for distributing a processto the Web service providing process part 244 or 344 corresponding to anURI (Uniform Resource Identifier) or an URL (Uniform Resource Locator)indicated by the HTTP request, and an httpd (Hypertext Transfer ProtocolDaemon) 2 for controlling a communication in accordance with HTTP. Also,the MF-apparatus 1200W includes an SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)processing part 70 for analyzing the HTTP request and creating the HTTPresponse in accordance with SOAP, and XML (eXtensible Markup Language)processing part 50 for processing a message in accordance with XML,which are shared with the Web service providing process part 244 and344. Moreover, the Web service providing process part 244 and 344include dispatchers 64 and 65, respectively, for separately obtainingparameters and a data file in the message and dispatching the parametersand the data file thereto.

For example, when the httpd 2 of the MF-apparatus 1200W receives theHTTP request indicating a request of the image process UIF program fromthe image process apparatus (for example, the SF-apparatus 100W)connected through the network 15 in accordance with the SOAP (stepS110), the request is sent to the IP-screen Web service providingprocess part 244 by the distributor 30 (step S111). The IP-screen Webservice providing process part 244 processes the HTTP request by theSOAP processing part 70 (step S112), and furthermore, the messagedescribed in XML in a SOAP body in XML processing part 50. Subsequently,the request of the image process UIF program is dispatched to the imageprocess UIF 480 by the dispatcher 64 (step S113).

The image process UIF program 481, which is described based on an XSLT(Extensible Style sheet Language Transform), and image process optioninformation 435 provided from the image process UIF 480 are sent to theXML processing part 50 (step S114). The IP-screen Web service providingprocess part 244 creates an XML 26 describing the image process optioninformation 435 in XML by the XML processing part 50, includes the XML26 indicating the image process option information 435 and an XSL of theimage process UIF program 481 in an SOAP body by the SOAP processingpart 70, and then requests the httpd 2 to send the HTTP response (stepS115). The httpd 2 sends the HTTP response to the SF-apparatus 100W(step S130).

After sending the image process UIF program 481 and the image processoption information 435, the Web server 500 distributes an image processrequest indicated in the HTTP request to the IP-Web service providingprocess part 344 by the distributor 30 when the image process request issent as the HTTP request from the SF-apparatus 100W (step S121). TheIP-Web service providing process part 344 processes the HTTP requestrequesting the image process by the SOAP processing part 70 (step S122).Subsequently, The IP-Web service providing process part 344 processesthe message described in XML in the SOAP body by the XML processing part50, separately obtains the image process setting parameter 436 and theinput image data 601 attached with the message by the dispatcher 65, andsends the image process request to the image process module 440 (stepS123).

The image process module 440 conducts the image process in respect tothe input image data 601 in accordance with the image process settingparameter 436 (step S124). The XML 26 as the message is created bydescribing a process result of the image process by the XML processingpart 50, and the output image data 602 is attached with the message bythe SOAP processing part 70. Then, the Web server 500 sends the XML 26as HTTP response to the MF-apparatus 100 by the httpd 2 (step S130).

By similar process flows to the IP-screen Web service providing processpart 244 and the IP-Web service providing process part 344, it ispossible to provide processes by the input UIF 460 and the input controlmodule 410, and processes by the output UIF 470 and the output controlmodule 420, as the Web services to the apparatuses connected to throughthe network 15. Also, the document list process can be provided as oneof the Web services. It should be noted that the apparatuses are notlimited to the image processing apparatus but the Web service can beprovided to any computerized apparatus.

Next, an example of a functional configuration of the SF-apparatus 100Wconnected to the MF-apparatus 1200W providing the Web service throughthe network 15 will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing theexample of the functional configuration of the SF-apparatus including aWeb browser according to the second embodiment of the present invention.In FIG. 18, parts shown by dashed lines are originally provide in theSF-apparatus 100W but not used in this process example. In FIG. 18, theSF-apparatus 100W mainly includes an input processing part 102 forinputting an image, an image processing part 104 for conducting theimage process, an output processing part 106 for outputting the image,an input UIF 112 for providing input image data, an image process UIF113 for providing image process screen data, the output UIF 114 forproviding output screen data, a Web service client 10 including a SOAPprocessing part 12, a Web server 140, a Web browser 122, and anoperation panel 120.

The Web server 140 includes a distributor 124 for distributing a processin response to a request when the user inputs data to the Web browser122, an XML creating part 13, and an HTML (HyperText Markup Language)creating part 502 for creating an HTML 24 by transforming an XML 26based on an XSL 25 by the XSL processor 503.

For example, when the user selects the SF-apparatus 100W as an apparatusfor the input process at the operation panel 120, a request of the inputUIF is set from the Web browser 122 to the distributor 124 of the Webserver 140 (step S210). When the distributor 124 receives the requestfrom the Web browser 122, the distributor 124 determines whether therequest is a request of the user interface or one in respect to theprocessing parts 102, 104, and 106. In this case, it is determined thatthe request from the Web browser 122 is one of the user interface, therequest is sent to the XML creating part 13 of the Web server 140 (stepS211). The XML creating part 13 creates an XML 28 describing the requestin XML. The Web server 140 sends the request to the input UIF 112 whenthe XML creating part 13 determines that the request is a request of theinput UIF of the SF-apparatus 100W itself (step S212).

The input UIF 112 sends the XML 26 indicating the input screen datadescribed in XML and the XSLT 25 for transforming to the HTML 24 to theWeb server 140 (step S213). The Web server 140 sends the XML 26 and theXSL 25 received as a response to the HTML creating part 502 (step S214).The HTML creating part 502 creates the HTML 24 by the XSL processor 503based on the XML 26 and the XSL 25. The HTML 24 created by the HTMLcreating part 502 is provided to the Web browser 122 and then the inputscreen is displayed at the operation panel 120 of the SF-apparatus 100W(step S215).

When the user sets the functions for the input process at the inputscreen displayed at the operation panel 120, the Web server 140 receivesa request from the Web browser 122 by the distributor 124 (step S210).In this case, the distributor 124 determines that the request of theuser indicates the input process, and the input setting parameter 434 issent to the input processing part 102 (step S231). The input processingpart 102 reads in the input image 600 in accordance with the inputsetting parameter 134, generates the input image data 601, and sends theXML 26 describing an input process result and the XSL 25 fortransforming to the HTML 24 to the Web server 140 (step S232). Byconducting the steps S214 and S215, the input process result is displaysat the operation panel 120.

When the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200W as an apparatus for theimage process, the Web browser 122 sends a request corresponding to aselection of the user to the distributor 124 of the Web server 140 (stepS210). In this case, the distributor 124 determines that the request isa request of the user interface, the distributor 124 sends the requestto the XML creating part 13 (step S241). In this case, when the XMLcreating part 13 determines that the request is a request to the otherapparatus other than the SF-apparatus 100W, the web server 140 sends therequest to the SOAP processing part 12 of the Web service client 10(step S242). The SOAP processing part 12 sends the HTTP requestincluding the XML 28 as a message to the MF-apparatus 1200W connectedthrough the network 15 in accordance with the SOAP (step S243).

When the Web service client 10 receives the HTTP response from theMF-apparatus 1200W (step S244), the SOAP processing part 12 separatelyobtains the XML 26 and the XSL 26 from the SOAP body and sends to theWeb server 140 (step S245). In this case, the XML 26 describes the imageprocess option information 435 shown in FIG. 17, the XSL 26 includes theimage process UIF program 481 shown in FIG. 17, and HTML 24 created bytransforming the XML 26 includes the image process UIF program 481 andthe image process option information 435. As the same as describedabove, the steps S214 and S215 are conducted. Accordingly, it ispossible to realize the image process UIF 480 of the MF-apparatus 1200Wat the operation panel 120 of the SF-apparatus 100W by the Web browser122.

Similarly, it is possible to realize the output UIF of the other imageprocessing apparatus connected through the network 15. As describedabove, the image process setting parameter 436 and the output settingparameter 432 are sent to the MF-apparatus 1200W by the steps S241through S243, and a process result is displayed at the operation panel120 by the steps S214 and S215.

For example, the screen G650 as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed at theoperation panel 120 of the SF-apparatus 100W. FIG. 19 is a diagramshowing an example of a screen displayed at the operation panel by theWeb browser. In FIG. 19, the screen G650 includes a display area 651 forindicating an apparatus for the input process, a display area 652 forindicating an apparatus for conducting the image process, and a displayarea 653 for indication an apparatus for the output process. Similar tothe screen G600, G630, and G640 in FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIG. 9, each ofthe display areas 651, 652, and 653 includes a display area 610 fordisplaying a list of apparatuses available for a respective process, anda display area 620 for displaying a list of apparatuses selected by theuser. For example, each of the display area 651 through 653, 610 and 620can be a frame realized by the Web browser 122.

In the screen G650, the user selects the SF-apparatus 100W from thedisplay area 610 as an apparatus for conducing the input process, andselects functions available from the SF-apparatus 100W. Moreover, theuser selects the MF-apparatus 1200W as an apparatus for conducing theimage process from the display area 610, and selects functions availablefrom the MF-apparatus 1200W from the display area 620. Furthermore, theuser selects the other apparatus as an apparatus for conducting theoutput process from the display area 610, and selects functionsavailable from the other apparatus. These selections of the user aresent to the SF-apparatus 100W, the MF-apparatus 1200, and the otherapparatus, respectively, as the input setting parameter 434, the imageprocess setting parameter 436, and the output setting parameter 432.

According to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, it ispossible to provide the user interface provided by each image processingapparatus even if different apparatus types provide different userinterfaces. That is, even if the different apparatus types are a colorand a white and black in that these original operations are provided bydifferent user interfaces for the color and the white and black, thesame processes can be realized at the image processing apparatuses.Moreover, by using a mechanism of the Web browser 122 instead ofdeveloping a special mechanism, it is possible to conduct the sameprocesses even if the user interfaces are different from each otherbetween the image processing apparatuses. Furthermore, it is possible toeasily maintain and improve each module.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the present invention, in which a computerinternally mounted in an MF-apparatus 1200W includes a high capacitystorage such as a hard disk and a large amount of image data can bemanaged, will be described. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a functionalconfiguration of the MF-apparatus providing a Web service concerning animage process according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 20, parts that are the same as the ones in FIG. 17are indicated by the same reference numerals and the explanation thereofwill be omitted. An IM-Web service providing process part 341 and anOM-Web service providing process part 342 conduct processescorresponding to the image input/output application 1216. In the thirdembodiment, when a Web server 500 of the MF-apparatus 1200W receives aninput image data 601 or an output image data 602, or when the Web server500 receives an image process setting parameter 436 or the outputsetting parameter 432, there is a state in that the Web server 500 cannot process promptly because the image process module 440 or an outputcontrol module 420 is in use. In order to eliminate this problem, queues441 and 421 are provided to the image process module 440 and the outputcontrol module 420, respectively.

When the image process module 440 is in a process, the input image data601 and the image process setting parameter 436 are maintained as onerequest in the queue 441. Also, when the output control module 420 is ina process, the output image data 602 and the output setting parameter432 are maintained as one request in the queue 421. When the imageprocess module 440 and the output control module 420 complete theprocesses, respectively, the image process module 440 and the outputcontrol module 420 obtain the requests from the queues 441 and 421,respectively.

According to the first, the second, and the third embodiments,furthermore, the following configuration can be applied. An image datamaintaining function for maintaining image data in the HD 1303 or animage data transmission function for transmitting image data to theother image processing apparatus can be provided in the MF-apparatus1200. In this case, each of a format, a compression type, a resolution,gradation of the input image data 601 and the output image data 602 willbe changed depending on usages of the user later. Thus, characteristicsof the input image data 601 and the output image data 602 can beindicated in the image process option information 435 and the outputoption information 431. Accordingly, the input image data 601 and theoutput image data 602 can be processed based on the usages of the user.The image process module 440 and the output control module 420 processthe input image data 601 and the output image data 602 by the imageprocess setting parameter 436 and the output control module 420,respectively. The input image data 601 and the output image data 602 aremaintained or transmitted to the other image processing apparatus.

Moreover, if the MF-apparatus 1200W for conducting the input process isan apparatus capable of storing image in the HD 1303, the user canselect and output data stored in the HD 1303 of the MF-apparatus 1200Wat the SF-apparatus 100W for conducting the output process. Even if theSF-apparatus 100W at the output side does not have means for selecting“BOTH SIDES” of the ADF 1350 or an image stored in the HD 1303, theSF-apparatus 100W can display the input interface of the input operationof the MF-apparatus 1200, so as to conduct the input process at theMF-apparatus 1200.

Furthermore, by a similar process flow to the image process UIF 480, theimage process module 440, which can provide functions of a gammacorrection or a color space correction corresponding to characteristicsof the engine at a time of the image output, can be transmitted to theSF-apparatus 100W. Accordingly, the image process is conducted byreplacing the image processing part 104 originally provided in theSF-apparatus 100W, so as to output the output image 603 having a highquality. In addition, in a case in which the noise elimination is set asan image correction, even if the input image 600 or the input image data601 has lower quality, the output image data 602 having higher qualitycan be obtained. Also, a method of outputting the output image 603 ischanged based on the characteristics of the engine. Thus, the gammacorrection or a color correction is required when the input image 600 isinput. However, by obtaining the image process module 440 of theMF-apparatus 1200W for conducting the output process, variouscorrections can be conducted at the SF-apparatus 100W for conducting theinput process corresponding to the characteristics of the engine of theMF-apparatus 1200, so as to output the output image 603 having higherquality.

Moreover, in a case in which an apparatus for conducting the imageprocess is different from an apparatus for conducting the input processand the output process, the input image data 601 is transmitted to theapparatus for the image process once. After the image process iscompleted, the output image data 602 is transmitted to the apparatus forthe output process. Therefore, the input process, the image process, andthe output process can be conducted as a single process. Accordingly,the apparatus for the input process is not required to have anequivalent function for the image process, and it is possible toadditionally provide a function dynamically.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the Web browser 122 is activatedon a personal computer (PC) connected to the MF-apparatus 1200W throughthe network 15 to access the Web server of each apparatus for the inputprocess, the image process, and the output process. Then, Web contentsprovided by the Web server are displayed at a display unit of the PC.Therefore, the PC is not required to have any function for the imageprocess, and it is possible to conduct operations concerning the imageprocess.

Fourth Embodiment

In a fourth embodiment, a functional configuration and a hardwareconfiguration of an MF-apparatus 1200 providing the screen coordinateparameters 462, 472, and 482 according to the fourth embodiment are thesame as those of the MF-apparatus 1200 in the first embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, an MF-apparatus 1200 provides the screencoordinate parameters 462, 472, and 482 with the option information 431,433, and 435, instead of the UIF programs 461, 471, and 481 with 482with the option information 431, 433, and 435.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing functional configurations of the imageinput/output application and the transmission application according tothe fourth embodiment. In FIG. 21, parts that are the same as the onesin FIG. 3 are indicated by the same reference numerals and explanationthereof will be omitted. In the MF-apparatus 1200 according to thefourth embodiment, in order for other apparatuses to utilize an inputprocess, an image process, and an output process available at theMF-apparatus 1200 through a network 15, the transmission application1217 transmits the screen coordinate parameters 462, 472, and 482 inresponse to a request of the screen coordinate parameter 462, 472, and482, respectively, from the other apparatus used by a user.

When the transmission application 1217 receives a request of the inputscreen coordinate parameter 462, the transmission application 1217simultaneously transmits the input screen coordinate parameter 462realizing a similar screen display of the MF-apparatus 1200 and theinput option information 433 obtained by the input control module 410when the MF-apparatus 1200 is booted, to the apparatus by the FTP 3. Inthe same manner, when the transmission application 1217 receives arequest of the image process screen coordinate parameter 462 or theoutput screen coordinate parameter 472, the transmission application1217 simultaneously transmits the image process screen coordinateparameter 482 or the output screen coordinate parameter 472 with theimage process option information 435 or the output option information431 by the FTP 3.

By downloading each of the screen coordinate parameters 462, 482, and472, it is possible for an other apparatus to display a plurality offunctions available in the MF-apparatus 1200. Then, the settingparameters 434, 436, and 432 set by the user at the other apparatus arerespectively transmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200. The MF-apparatus 1200replaces the input setting parameter 434, the image process settingparameter 436, and the output setting parameter 432 with the settingparameters received from the other apparatus, respectively. Accordingly,it is possible for the MF-apparatus 1200 to conduct in accordance withthe setting parameters that are set by the user at the other apparatus.

In the functional configuration of the image input/output application1216 shown in FIG. 21, the input control module 410, the image processmodule 440, the output control module 420, and the UIF control module430 may be realized by Java™ programs. In this case, a Java VM (VirtualMemory) 450, which is shown by dashed lines, may be provided to executethe Java™ programs. The input screen coordinate parameter 462, the imageprocess screen coordinate parameter 482, and the output screencoordinate parameter 472 are also provided in the data structurereadable by the Java™ programs. Also, the input option information 433,the image process option information 435, and the output optioninformation 431 are provided in the data structure readable by the Java™programs. In the other apparatus connected through the network 15 to theMF-apparatus 1200, if the Java™ programs can be executable, the inputsetting parameter 434, the image process setting parameter 436, and theoutput setting parameter 432 can be provided without depending onhardware of the other apparatus.

For example, in a case in which the other apparatus connected to theMF-apparatus 1200 through the network 15 has a lower function than thatof the MF-apparatus 1200 or only a single function (hereinafter, calledan SF-apparatus 100 (single functional image forming apparatus)), thisSF-apparatus 100 obtains the input screen coordinate parameter 462, theimage process screen coordinate parameter 482, and the output screencoordinate parameter 472 from the MF-apparatus 1200. Therefore, it ispossible for the SF-apparatus 100 to provide the user higher functionsprovided by the MF-apparatus 1200.

Examples of process flows for displaying the functions of theMF-apparatus 1200 at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 will bedescribed, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.Also, in the fourth embodiment, the input screen coordinate parameter462 and the input setting parameter 434 realize the input screen G600shown in FIG. 5, the image process screen coordinate parameter 482 andthe image process setting parameter 436 realize the image process screenG630 shown in FIG. 7, and the output screen coordinate parameter 472 andthe output setting parameter 432 realize the output process screen G640shown in FIG. 9. Therefore, the explanations of the screens G600, G630,and G640 will be omitted.

A process flow, which is conducted between the MF-apparatus 1200 and theSF-apparatus 100 in response to operations of the user at the inputscreen G600 in FIG. 5, will be described with reference to FIG. 22. FIG.22 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize adisplay of the input screen G600 of the MF-apparatus 1200 at theSF-apparatus 100.

In FIG. 22, when the user selects the button 61 to indicate oneapparatus for conducting the input process at the input screen G600 inFIG. 5 (step S311), the SF-apparatus 100 confirms existence of availableapparatuses for the input process in respect to all apparatusesconnected through the network (step S312). A method for confirming theexistence of the available apparatuses may confirm all apparatusesexisting on the network by a broadcast. Alternatively, the method mayconfirm specific apparatuses set beforehand. In response to an existenceconfirmation from the SF-apparatus 100, the MF-apparatus 1200 existingon the network replies to the SF-apparatus 100 with apparatus specificinformation including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus 1200,an apparatus name, and a like (step S313). When the SF-apparatus 100receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus 1200and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus 100 displays thelist of the apparatus names in the display area 610 at the input screenG600 in FIG. 5.

For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as the apparatus forconducting the input process from the display area 610 (step S314), theSF-apparatus 100 requests the input screen coordinate parameter 462 ofthe MF-apparatus 1200 (step S315). The MF-apparatus 1200 sends the inputscreen coordinate parameter 462 and the input option information 433 tothe SF-apparatus 100 by the FTP 3 in response to the request from theSF-apparatus 100 (step S316).

When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the input screen coordinate parameter462 and the input option information 433 from the MF-apparatus 1200, theSF-apparatus 100 displays the functions that the MF-apparatus 1200 canprovide, in the display area 620 of the input screen G600 (FIG. 5)displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 by using theinput screen coordinate parameter 462 (step S317). From the display area620 displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “PICTURE”,“AUTO DARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” (step S318), an input UIF of theSF-apparatus 100 generates the input setting parameter showing“PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” corresponding positioncoordinates thereof, and the input setting parameter is transmitted tothe MF-apparatus 1200 (step S319).

The MF-apparatus 1200 sets the input setting parameter 434 received fromthe SF-apparatus 100 as the input setting parameter 434. Subsequently,the input control module 410 reads in the input image 600 from thescanner 1324 in accordance with the input setting parameter 434, andgenerates the input image data 601 (step S320).

Since the image input/output application 1216 sets the input settingparameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as the input settingparameter 434, the input control module 410 can conduct the inputprocess as if the user sets at the operation panel 1310 of theMF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes the inputprocess, the MF-apparatus 1200 sends an input result to the SF-apparatus100 (step S321). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus 100 displaysthe input result received from the MF-apparatus 1200 at the operationpanel (step S322).

Therefore, it is possible for the user to select the desired functionsfrom the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide,displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it ispossible to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the input process basedon the desired functions of the user. For example, even if theSF-apparatus 100 does not have “PICTURE” function, it is possible foruser to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the input process by“PICTURE” function as one of the input setting parameter 434, from theSF-apparatus.

In FIG. 22, as for the input process, the process flow between theSF-apparatus 100 and the MF-apparatus 1200 is described. Also, theprocess flow shown in FIG. 22 can be realized between two MF-apparatuses1200 and between two SF-apparatuses.

A process flow between the MF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 inaccordance with operations of the user at the image process screen G630(FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is aflowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a displayof the image process screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 at SF-apparatus.

In FIG. 23, when the user selects the button 62 to indicate oneapparatus for conducting the image process at the image process screenG630 displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 (stepS351), the SF-apparatus 100 confirms existence of available apparatusesfor the image process in respect to all apparatuses connected throughthe network (step S352). The method for confirming the existence of theavailable apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of theprocess flow for realizing a display of the input screen in FIG. 22. Inresponse to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus, theMF-apparatus 1200 existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus100 with apparatus specific information including an IP addressidentifying the MF-apparatus 1200, an apparatus name, and a like (stepS353). When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the apparatus specificinformation from the MF-apparatus 1200 and other apparatuses on thenetwork, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the list of the apparatus namesin the display area 610 at the image process screen G630 in FIG. 7.

For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as the apparatus forconducting the image process from the display area 610 in FIG. 7 (stepS354), the SF-apparatus 100 requests the image process screen coordinateparameter 482 of the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S355). The MF-apparatus1200 sends the image process screen coordinate parameter 482 and theimage process option information 435 to the SF-apparatus 100 by the FTP3 in response to the request from the SF-apparatus 100 (step S356).

When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the image process screen coordinateparameter 482 and the image process option information 435 from theMF-apparatus 1200, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the functions that theMF-apparatus 1200 can provide, in the display area 620 of the imageprocess screen G630 (FIG. 7) displayed at the operation panel of theSF-apparatus 100 by using the image process screen coordinate parameter482 (step S357). From the display area 620 displaying the functions, forexample, the user selects “ME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE”(step S358), an image process UIF of the SF-apparatus 100 generates theimage process setting parameter showing “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUALSIZE”, and “DIVIDE” corresponding to position coordinates thereof, andthe image process setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus1200 (step S359).

The MF-apparatus 1200 obtains the input image data 601 (step S360). Whenthe input process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200, theMF-apparatus 1200 obtains the input image data 601 from theSF-apparatus. The image input/output application 1216 sets the imageprocess setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as theimage process setting parameter 436. The image process module 440conducts the image process in respect to the input image data 601 inaccordance with the image process setting parameter 436 and generatesthe output image data 602 (step S361).

Since the image input/output application 1216 sets the image processsetting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as the imageprocess setting parameter 436, the image process module 440 can conductthe image process as if the user sets at the operation panel 1310 of theMF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes the imageprocess, the MF-apparatus 1200 sends an image process result to theSF-apparatus 100 (step S362). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus100 displays the image process result received from the MF-apparatus1200 (step S363).

In FIG. 23, as for the image process, the process flow between theSF-apparatus 100 and the MF-apparatus 1200 is described. Also, theprocess flow shown in FIG. 23 can be realized between two MF-apparatuses1200 and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user toselect the desired functions from the list of the functions, which theMF-apparatus 1200 can provide, displayed at the operation panel of theSF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conductthe image process based on the desired functions of the user.

A process flow between the MF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus inaccordance with operations of the user at the output screen G640 (FIG.9) will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a flowchartdiagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of theoutput screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 at the SF-apparatus.

In FIG. 24, when the user selects the button 63 to indicate oneapparatus for conducting the output process at the output screen G640(FIG. 9) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 (stepS371), the SF-apparatus 100 confirms existence of available apparatusesfor the output process in respect to all apparatuses connected throughthe network (step S372). The method for confirming the existence of theavailable apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of theprocess flow for realizing the display of the input screen G600 in FIG.8. In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus, theMF-apparatus 1200 existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus100 with apparatus specific information including an IP addressidentifying the MF-apparatus 1200, an apparatus name, and a like (stepS373). When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the apparatus specificinformation from the MF-apparatus 1200 and other apparatuses on thenetwork, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the list of the apparatus namesin the display area 610 at the output screen G640 in FIG. 9.

For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as the apparatus forconducting the output process from the display area 610 (step S374), theSF-apparatus 100 requests the output screen coordinate parameter 472 ofthe MF-apparatus 1200 (step S375). The MF-apparatus 1200 sends theoutput screen coordinate parameter 472 and the output option information431 to the SF-apparatus 100 by the FTP 3 in response to the request fromthe SF-apparatus 100 (step S376).

When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the output screen coordinateparameter 472 and the output option information 431 from theMF-apparatus 1200, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the functions that theMF-apparatus 1200 provide, in the display area 620 of the input screenG640 (FIG. 9) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100by using the output screen coordinate parameter 472 (step S377). Fromthe display area 620 displaying the functions, for example, the userselects one of four icons corresponding to the four stapling methods(step S378), the output UIF of the SF-apparatus 100 generates the outputsetting parameter indicating “SORT” and “STAPLE” corresponding toposition coordinates thereof, and then the output setting parameter istransmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S379).

The MF-apparatus 1200 obtains the output image data 602 (step S380).When the output process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200, theMF-apparatus 1200 obtains the output image data 602 from theSF-apparatus. The output setting parameter, which is received from theSF-apparatus, is set to be the output setting parameter 432. Then, theoutput control module 420 conducts the output process to the outputimage data 602 in accordance with the output setting parameter 432 so asto form an image on the sheet as the output image 603 and then outputsthe output image 603 (step S381).

Since the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 isset as the output setting parameter 432, the output control module 420can conduct the output process as if the user set at the operation panel1310 of the MF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes theoutput process, the output result is sent to the SF-apparatus 100 (stepS382). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the outputresult received from the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S383).

In FIG. 24, as for the output process, the process flow between theSF-apparatus 100 and the MF-apparatus 1200 is described. Also, theprocess flow shown in FIG. 24 can be realized between two MF-apparatuses1200 and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user toselect the desired functions from the list of the functions, which theMF-apparatus 1200 can provide, displayed at the operation panel of theSF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conductthe output process based on the desired functions of the user.

The process patterns 1 through 4 based on various combinations of theinput process, the image process, and the output process shown in FIG. 4using user interfaces will be described in detail with reference to FIG.25 through FIG. 28, according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention. For example, an SF-apparatus (single functional imageprocessing apparatus) 100 shown in FIG. 25 through FIG. 28 is a singlecopier having only a copying function. For example, the SF-apparatus 100includes an input processing part 102 for reading in the input image 600formed on a sheet, an image processing part 104 for conducting the imageprocess to the input image data generated by reading in the input image600, an output processing part 106 for forming output image data 603,which the image process is conducted to, on the sheet and outputting thesheet as the output image 603, an operation panel 120 operated by theuser, and an operation controlling part 110 for controlling a display ofthe operation panel 120.

Moreover, the operation controlling part 110 includes at least an inputUIF 112 for generating the input screen coordinate parameter so as todisplay the input screen G600 as shown FIG. 5, an image process UIF 113for generating the image process screen coordinate parameter so as todisplay the image process screen G630 as shown in FIG. 7, an output UIF114 for generating the output screen coordinate parameter so as todisplay the output screen G640 as shown in FIG. 9, an OCS 116 forcontrolling the operation panel 120 based on the screen informationprovided from each of the input UIF 112, the image process UIF 113, andthe output UIF 114, in respect to the operation panel 120.

Furthermore, when each user interface program realizing the input UIF112, the image process UIF 113, and the output UIF 114 is a Java™program, the operation controlling part 110 includes a Java™ VM 118. Inthe SF-apparatus 100, all process parts including the OCS 116, the inputUIF 112, the image process UIF 113, and the output UIF 114 can berealized by the Java™ programs. In this case, even if the OCS 116 is notincluded in the SF-apparatus 100, the SF-apparatus 100 can be compatibleto the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 25 through FIG. 28, parts shown by dashed lines other than theJava™ VM 450 and the Java™ VM 118 are originally provided in theMF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 but not used in each of theprocess patterns 1 through 4. In addition, parts shown by double linesare replaced with data file sent from the MF-apparatus 1200 or theSF-apparatus 100.

Process Pattern 1

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 1 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 25, the display process, the input process, and theoutput process are conducted by the SF-apparatus 100, and only the imageprocess is conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

First, when the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 itself as an apparatusfor the input process at the operation panel 120, based on the inputscreen coordinate parameter 146 produced by the input UIF 112 originallyprovided in the SF-apparatus 100, the functions for the input processthat the SF-apparatus 100 can provide is displayed at the operationpanel 120. When the user selects the functions, the input UIF 112generates the input setting parameter (not shown) showing the functionsset by the user. The input processing part 102 reads in the input image600 in accordance with the input setting parameter (not shown) that isgenerated by the input UIF 112 so as to indicate the function set by theuser and generates the input image data 601.

Next, when the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as an apparatus forconducting the image process from the operation panel 120, in accordancewith the process flow shown in FIG. 23, the image process screencoordinate parameter (not shown) produced by the image process UIF 113(not shown) is replaced with the image process screen coordinateparameter 482 obtained from the MF-apparatus 1200. The image process UIF480 displays the function that the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide, at theoperation panel 120 through the OCS 116 based on the image processscreen coordinate parameter 482. When the user selects the functions,the image process 480 generates the image process setting parameter 136indicating the function set by the user. The SF-apparatus 100 transmitsthe input image data 601 generated by the image process settingparameter 136 and the input processing part 102, to the MF-apparatus1200. The input image data 601 can be transmitted in response to arequest from the image input/output application 1216 of the MF-apparatus1200.

The image input/output application 1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200replaces the image process setting parameter 436 with the image processsetting parameter 136 received from the SF-apparatus 100. And the imageprocess module 440 conducts the image process in respect to the inputimage data 601 received from the SF-apparatus 100 based on the imageprocess setting parameter 436, and generates the output image data 602as a result. The output image data 602 is transmitted to theSF-apparatus 100. The output image data 602 can be transmitted inresponse to a request from the SF-apparatus 100.

When the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 itself as an apparatus forthe output process at the operation panel 120, based on the outputoption information 431 generated by the output UIF 114 originallyprovided in the SF-apparatus 100, the functions for the output processthat the SF-apparatus 100 can provide is displayed, at the operationpanel 120. When the user selects the functions, the output UIF 114generates the output setting parameter (not shown) indicating thefunctions set by the user. The output processing part 106 forms theoutput image data 602 on the sheet in accordance with the output settingparameter (not shown) that is generated by the output UIF 114 so as toindicate the functions set by the user, and then outputs the outputimage 603.

As described above, the user can have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct theimage process only through a network 15.

Process Pattern 2

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 2 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 26, only the display process is conducted by theSF-apparatus 100, and the input process, the image process, and theoutput process are conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 26, when the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as an apparatusfor the input process, the image process, and the output process at theoperation panel 120 of the SF-apparatus 100, in accordance with theprocess flow shown in FIG. 22, the input screen coordinate parameter(not shown) originally produced by the input UIF 112 is replaced withthe input screen coordinate parameter 462 obtained from the MF-apparatus1200. The input UIF 112 displays the functions for the input processthat the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide, at the operation panel 120through the OCS 116 based on the input screen coordinate parameter 462.After that, the input setting parameter 134, which is generated by theinput UIF 112 so as to indicate the functions set by the user, is sentto the MF-apparatus 1200.

The input setting parameter 113 is replaced as the input settingparameter 434 of the image input/output 1216. The input control module410 reads in the input image 600 and generates the input image data 601at the MF-apparatus 1200.

Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in FIG. 23, theimage process screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 is displayed at theSF-apparatus 100 by the image process screen parameter 482, with whichthe image process screen coordinate parameter (not shown) generated bythe image process UIF 113 originally provided in the SF-apparatus 100 isreplaced. The image process setting parameter 136 is generated so as toindicate the function that the user sets for the image process from theimage process screen. The image process setting parameter 436 of theMF-apparatus 1200 is replaced with the image process setting parameter136 that indicates the functions for the image process set by the userfrom the image process screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 and is receivedfrom the SF-apparatus 100. The image process module 440 generates theoutput image data 602 based on the image process setting parameter 436.

Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in FIG. 24, theoutput screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 is displayed at the SF-apparatus100 by the output screen parameter 472, with which the image processscreen coordinate parameter (not shown) generated by the output UIF 114originally provided in SF-apparatus is replaced. The output settingparameter 432 is generated so as to indicate the function that the usersets for the output process from the output screen. The output settingparameter 432 of the MF-apparatus 1200 is replaced with the outputsetting parameter (not shown) that indicates the functions for the imageprocess set by the user from the image process screen of theMF-apparatus 1200 and is received from the SF-apparatus 100. The outputmodule 420 outputs the output image data 602 based on the output settingparameter 432.

As described above, it is possible for the user to have the MF-apparatus1200 conduct all of the input process, the image process, and the outputprocess through the network 15. Alternatively, the image process can beconducted at the SF-apparatus 100. In this case, the SF-apparatus 100may obtain the input image data 601 from the MF-apparatus 1200, and sendthe output image data 602 generated after the image process is conductedto the input image data 601, as well as the output setting parameter132.

Process Pattern 3

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 3 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 27, the display process and the input process areconducted by the SF-apparatus 100 and the image process and the outputprocess are conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 27, when the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 as an apparatusfor conducting the input process at the operation panel 120 of theSF-apparatus 100 and selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as an apparatus forthe image process and the output process, the input processing part 102of the SF-apparatus 100 reads in the input image 600, and generates theinput image data 601. After that, similar to the process pattern 1 shownin FIG. 25, the image process screen coordinate parameter (not shown) ofthe SF-apparatus 100 is replaced with the image process screencoordinate parameter 482 of the MF-apparatus 1200. After that, in theimage input/output application 1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, inaccordance with the image process setting parameter 436 replaced withthe image process setting parameter 136 received from the SF-apparatus100, the image process module 440 generates the output image data 602.Moreover, similar to the process pattern 2 shown in FIG. 26, the outputscreen coordinate parameter (not shown) of the SF-apparatus 100 isreplaced with the output screen coordinate parameter 472 of theMF-apparatus 1200. After that, in the image input/output application1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, in accordance with the output settingparameter 432 replaced with the output setting parameter 132 receivedfrom the SF-apparatus 100, the output control module 420 outputs theoutput image 603.

As described above, the user can conduct the input process alone at theSF-apparatus 100, and have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the imageprocess and the output process. Alternatively, the image process can beconducted by the SF-apparatus 100. In this case, the SF-apparatus 100may send the output image data 602 generated after the image process isconduct to the input image data 601 generated by the input processingpart 102, with the output setting parameter 132.

The Process Pattern 4

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 4 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 28, the display process and output process areconducted by the SF-apparatus 100, and the input process and the imageprocess are conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 28, when the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 as an apparatusfor conducting the input process and the output process at the operationpanel 120 of the SF-apparatus 100, and selects the MF-apparatus 1200 asan apparatus for conducting the image process, similar to the processpattern 2 shown in FIG. 26, the input screen coordinate parameter (notshown) of the SF-apparatus 100 is replaced with input screen coordinateparameter 462 of the MF-apparatus 1200. After that, in the imageinput/output application 1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, in accordancewith the input setting parameter 434 replaced with the input settingparameter 134 received from the SF-apparatus 100, the input controlmodule 410 generates the input image data 601. Moreover, the imageprocess screen coordinate parameter (not shown) of the SF-apparatus 100is replaced with the image process screen coordinate parameter 482 ofthe MF-apparatus 1200. After that, in the image input/output application1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, in accordance with the image processsetting parameter 436 replaced with the image process setting parameter136 received from the SF-apparatus 100, the image process module 440generates the output image data 602. Subsequently, when the SF-apparatus100 obtains the output image data 602 from the MF-apparatus 1200, theoutput process is conducted by the output processing part 106, andoutputs the output image 603.

As described above, it is possible for the user at the SF-apparatus 100to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the input process and the imageprocess. Alternatively, the image process can be conducted by theSF-apparatus 100. In this case, the SF-apparatus 100 obtains the inputimage data 601 from the MF-apparatus 1200, and sends the output imagedata 602 generated after the image process is conducted to the inputimage data 601, with the output setting parameter 132.

Regarding the process patterns 1 through 4, a case in which theMF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 are connected to each otherthrough the network 15. Alternatively, the present invention can beapplied to more than three image processing apparatuses connecting toeach other through the network 15.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, it is possible to inputthe input image 600 by utilizing an option (the ADF, a both sides ADF,or a like) pertaining to the MF-apparatus 1200 connected to any imageprocessing apparatus through the network 15. For example, by using theMF-apparatus 1200 having the both sides ADF 1350, the user canconsecutively input the input image 600 (a plurality of documents)having an image on both sides, and also can output from the SF-apparatus100 (copier) having only a press board.

Moreover, by using an option (finisher such as a punch or a stapler)pertaining to the MF-apparatus 1200, the user can output the outputimage 603 at the MF-apparatus 1200 connected to any SF-apparatus 100through the network 15. For example, by using higher functions by fulloptions, it is possible to output the output image 603 from the copierhaving a single function or a personal computer (PC). Since the screencoordinate parameters 462, 472, and 482 are obtained through the network15, a new user interface is not required for the SF-apparatus 100 atwhich the user operates. Accordingly, the user can instruct by the sameoperation under the interface provided by the MF-apparatus 1200anywhere. Also, when a new function is added to the MF-apparatus 1200connected to the network 15, even if the SF-apparatus 100 where the useroperates, the user can utilize the interface for operating the newfunction of the MF-apparatus 1200 and operate as if the user uses theMF-apparatus 1200.

Furthermore, if the MF-apparatus 1200 having higher functions exists onthe network 15, by sending the input image data 601 to the MF-apparatus1200 and the output image data 602 to the SF-apparatus 100, even theSF-apparatus 100, which does not have the image process as the higherfunctions, can realize the same higher functions as the MF-apparatus1200. In this case, means for providing and setting the higher functionsfor the image process is not required for the SF-apparatus 100 as anoperation side. Accordingly, the user operates in the same way at anySF-apparatus 100.

In the fourth embodiment, on the network 15, only the plotter 1321 ofthe MF-apparatus 1200 as an output option, the scanner 1324 of theMF-apparatus 1200 as an input option, and the SF-apparatus 100 (copier)as the input option and the output option are provided, but a pluralityof the input options and the output options can be provided. Alloptions, for example, the apparatuses connected through the network 15and a scanner, a printer, a copier, and a like can be shared as thefunctions. Also, as an output, it is not limited to printing on thesheet, but as an electronic data, output data can be stored to a serverfor managing a document. Also, the input side can be a documentmanagement server for managing the electronic data, instead of the papersheet. As described above, by storing as a document, an existing imagedata can be utilized. Accordingly, data frequently used by the user aresimply maintained on the network 15, it is possible to utilize the datain many output methods by various options.

Fifth Embodiment

In a fifth embodiment, the MF-apparatus 1200 provides equivalentprocesses to those in the fifth embodiment, as Web service. TheMF-apparatus 1200 providing the Web service will be described accordingto the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

A functional configuration and a hardware configuration of theMF-apparatus 1200 providing the Web service concerning the image processaccording to the fifth embodiment are the same as those of theMF-apparatus 1200 in the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, anIP-screen Web service providing process part 244 and an IP-Web serviceproviding process part 344, that will be described later, conductprocesses corresponding to the image input/output application 1216. Inthe fifth embodiment, an input screen, an image process screen, and anoutput screen are provided at the operation panel of a client apparatusconnected through a network 15. The MF-apparatus 1200 providing theinput process, the image process, and the output process based on asetting of the user as Web service will be described with reference toFIG. 29, FIG. 30, FIG. 31, and FIG. 32.

In process examples shown in FIG. 29, FIG. 30, and FIG. 31, it isassumed that at least three image processing apparatuses are connectedthrough the network 15. That is, the MF-apparatus 1200W providing theWeb service, other image processing apparatus having equivalentfunctions to the MF-apparatus 1200W, and a client apparatus (describedlater as a client apparatus 1200C) having a Web service client functionare connected to each other. These process examples illustrate the imageprocess in that the MF-apparatus 1200W providing the image processscreen and the image process as the Web service, the Web service clientapparatus 1200C that can receive the Web service from the MF-apparatus1200W.

First, in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, it is assumed that the client apparatus1200C includes the image process UIF 480C realized by the same programas the MF-apparatus 1200W.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a first functional configuration of theMF-apparatus 1200 providing the Web service concerning the image processaccording to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 29,for the sake of convenience, the Web service concerning the imageprocess will be described, but other Web service concerning the inputprocess, and the output process can be realized in a similar functionalconfiguration.

In FIG. 29, the MF-apparatus 1200W includes an IP-screen (Image Processscreen) Web service providing process part 244, an IP-Web service (ImageProcess Web service) providing process part 344 for executing the imageprocess, a service destination determining part 5 for determiningwhether or not a SOAP command is issued internally, and a Web server 500for controlling communications with apparatuses connected through thenetwork 15 by an HTTP request and an HTTP response in accordance with anhttp (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

The Web server 500 includes a distributor 30 for distributing a processto the Web service providing process part 244 or 344 corresponding to aURI (Uniform Resource Identifier) or a URL (Uniform Resource Locator)indicated by the HTTP request, and an httpd (Hypertext Transfer ProtocolDaemon) 2 for controlling a communication in accordance with the http(Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Also, the MF-apparatus 1200W includes aSOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) processing part 70 for analyzingthe HTTP request and creating the HTTP response in accordance with SOAP,and an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) processing part 50 forprocessing a message in accordance with an XML, which are shared withthe Web service providing process parts 244 and 344. Moreover, the Webservice providing process parts 244 and 344 include dispatchers 64 and65, respectively, for separately obtaining parameters and a data file inthe message and dispatching the parameters and the data file thereto.

First, a process flow will be described in that the MF-apparatus 1200Wdisplays the image process screen at the operation panel 1310 of theMF-apparatus 1200W, and conducts the image process in accordance withthe image process setting parameter 436 indicating a setting of theuser.

In response to a request of the image process screen from the user, theimage process UIF 480 generates the image process screen coordinateparameter 482 based on the image process option information 435, andthen display the image process screen at the operation panel 1310. Whenthe image process UIF 480 generates the image process screen coordinateparameter 482, the image process UIF 480 sets request sender informationshowing that the MF-apparatus 1200W itself made the request of the imageprocess screen. From the image process screen displayed at the operationpanel 1310, the user sets the function options (step S401). In order tointernally issue a SOAP command in respect to the IP-Web serviceproviding process part 344, the image process UIF 480 sends a responsein which a service destination is set as the IP-Web service providingprocess part 344, to the XML processing part 50 (step S402). The imageprocess UIF 480 determines based on the request sender set in the imageprocess screen coordinate parameter 482 (in this case, the MF-apparatus1200W) whether or not the SOAP command is to be issued internally.

The image process UIF 480 sends the XML processing part 50 a messageincluding the function options corresponding to the position coordinatesas image process setting parameter 436 and the input image data 601,which is processed as an attachment, by using position coordinatesreceived from the operation panel 1310, the image process screencoordinate parameter 482, and the image process option information 435.The image process setting parameter 436 and the input image data 601 canbe attachments. Alternatively, only the image process setting parameter436 is processed by the XML processing part 50, and the input image data601 can be obtained by the IP-Web service providing process part 344 asnecessary.

The XML processing part 50 generates an XML 26 showing the response andcreates the SOAP command (step S403). The service destinationdetermining part 5 determines whether or not the SOAP command created bythe SOAP processing part 70 is internally issued. In this case, it isdetermined that the SOAP command is internally issued. Accordingly, theservice destination determining part 5 sends the SOAP command to thedistributor 30 (step S404).

When the distributor 30 receives the SOAP command from the servicedestination determining part 5, the distributor 30 distributes a processto the IP-Web service providing process part 344 (step S405). The SOAPprocessing part 70 processes the SOAP command issued by the imageprocess UIF 480 received as an HTTP response in accordance with SOAP(step S406). Moreover, the dispatcher 65 obtains the image processsetting parameter 436 and the image data 601 from the message process bythe XML processing part 50, and then send to the image process controlmodule 440. The image process control module 440 conducts the imageprocess in respect to the input image data 601 in accordance with theimage process setting parameter 436, and then generates the output imagedata 602.

Next, a process flow will be described in that the HTTP requestrequesting the image process screen is received from the clientapparatus 1200C.

When the Web server 500 receives the HTTP request requesting the imageprocess screen from the client apparatus 1200C in accordance with HTTPby the httpd 2 (step S410), the Web server 500 sends the HTTP request tothe IP-screen Web service providing process part 244 by the distributor30 (step S411). The IP-screen Web service providing process part 244processes the request in accordance with SOAP by the SOAP processingpart 70, and then send the request to the XML processing part 50 (stepS412). The XML processing part 50 processes a message described in XML,and then the dispatcher 64 obtains the message and sends the massage tothe image process UIF 480 (step S413).

The image process UIF 480 indicates the client apparatus 1200C asdestination in response to the request of the image process screen fromthe client apparatus 1200C and then sends the image process optioninformation 435 and the image process screen coordinate parameter 482 tothe XML processing part 50 (step S414). The XML processing part 50generates the XML 26 as a message describing the image process optioninformation 435 and the image process screen coordinate parameter 482 inXML. A response is generated in accordance with SOAP by the SOAPprocessing part 70 and sent to the service destination determining part5 (step S415).

In this case, the service destination determining part 5 determines thatthe destination is not any one of the Web service providing processparts 244 and 344, and then sends the response to the httpd 2 (stepS416). The httpd 2 sends the response as a HTTP response in accordancewith HTTP (step S430).

Moreover, when the Web server 500 receives the HTTP request requestingthe image process from the client apparatus 1200C (step S410), the stepsS405, S406, and S407 are conducted as described above. When the IP-Webservice providing process part 344 receives the process request, theprocess control module 440 conducts the image process in respect to theinput image data 601 based on the image process setting parameter 436,sends a process result of generating the output image data 602 to theXML processing part 50 (step S428). In this case, the output image data602 can be provided as an attachment to the client apparatus 1200C.Alternatively, the output image data 602 can be provided in response toa request of obtaining the output image data 602.

The XML processing part 50 generates the XML 26 describing a processresult in XML. Then, a response is sent to the httpd 2 of the Web server500 in accordance with SOAP by the SOAP processing part 70 (step S429).The httpd 2 sends the response received from the SOAP processing part 70as the HTTP response in accordance with HTTP (step S430).

For example, by a similar functional configuration, an input screen Webservice providing process part for providing screen for the inputprocess and an input Web service providing process part for conductingthe input process can be realized. Also, an output screen web serviceproviding process part for providing a screen for the output process andan output Web service providing process part for conducting the outputprocess can be realized. Moreover, by providing the service destinationdetermining part 5 for determining whether or not the SOAP command isinternally issued in respect to the response provided from the inputscreen Web service providing process part or the output screen Webservice providing process part, it is possible to internally utilize theinput Web service providing process part and the output Web serviceproviding process part.

Next, FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a first functional configuration ofthe client apparatus receiving the Web service form the MF-apparatusshown in FIG. 29. In FIG. 30, the client apparatus 1200C mainly includesan image process screen processing part 244C for displaying the imageprocess screen provided from the MF-apparatus 1200W at the operationpanel 1310C and conducting the image process, a Web service client 10for controlling a communication with the MF-apparatus 1200W inaccordance with SOAP, and a control module 430C for controlling an eventfrom the image process screen processing part 244C.

The image process screen processing part 244C includes an image processUIF 480C for displaying the image screen at the operation panel 1310Cbased on the image process screen coordinate parameter 482.

The Web service client 10 includes a SOAP processing part 12 forcontrolling a message exchange in accordance with SOAP, and an XMLprocessing part 13 for processing a message described in XML.

In FIG. 30, when the user selects an image process screen of theMF-apparatus 1200W from an initial screen displayed at the operationpanel 1310C by the control module 430C (step S405), the image processUIF 480C sends an event indicating a request of the image process screento the control module 430C (step S406). The control module 430C sendsthe request of the image process screen to the Web service client 10based on the event (step S407). The Web service client 10 generates theXML 26 describing a message in which contents of the request isindicated, in XML by the XML processing part 13. The Web service client10 sends the message to the SOAP processing part (step S408). The SOAPprocessing part 12 sends the XML 26 to the MF-apparatus 1200W inaccordance with SOAP by the SOAP processing part 12 (step S410).

When the Web service client 10 receives the HTTP response for the HTTPrequest showing the request of the image process screen from the clientapparatus 1200C (step S430), the SOAP processing part 12 processes theHTTP response in accordance with SOAP (step S431). The XML processingpart 13 obtains the image process option information 435 and the imageprocess screen coordinate parameter 482 from the message described inXML and sends those to the control module 430C (step S432). Moreover,the control module 430C sends the image process screen coordinateparameter 482 to the image process UIF 480C (step S433).

When the image process UIF 480C displays the image process at theoperation panel 1310C and the user sets the function for the imageprocess (step S434), the image process UIF 480C generates the imageprocess setting parameter 436 showing the function options correspondingto the position coordinates from the position coordinates where the userindicates on the operation panel 1310 based on the image process screencoordinate parameter 482 and the image process option information 435,and sends the event to the control module 430C (step S435).

The control module 430C sends the image process setting parameter 436 tothe XML processing part 13 (step S436). The XML processing part 13generates the XML 26 describing the image process setting parameter 436in XML. As described above, by conducting the steps S405 and S410, theHTTP request showing the request of the image process is sent to theMF-apparatus 1200W. After that, when the Web service client 10 of theclient apparatus 1200C receives the HTTP response showing the processresult of the image process in respect to the HTTP request indicatingthe image process (step S430), the SOAP processing part 12 processes theHTTP response in accordance with SOAP (step S431), the XML processingpart 13 obtains the message showing the process result and sends to thecontrol module 430C (step S439).

Accordingly, the client apparatus 1200C is not required to have the Webservice functions such as the input control, the image process, theoutput control, and a like. And the client apparatus 1200C can requestthe MF-apparatus 1200W to conduct those processes as higher functionsthrough the network 15.

By providing the first functional configuration of the client apparatus1200C shown in FIG. 30 to the MF-apparatus 1200W shown in FIG. 29, theMF-apparatus 1200W can share screens or functions among a plurality ofMF-apparatus 1200W since the MF-apparatus 1200W includes the Web clientfunction.

Next, in FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, another process example will be describedin that the client apparatus 1200C includes an image process UIF 480C-1different from the image process UIF 480 of the MF-apparatus 1200W, andonly a similar screen to the MF-apparatus 1200C can be conducted at theclient apparatus 1200C.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a second functional configuration of theMF-apparatus providing the Web service concerning the image process,according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 31,for the sake of convenience, the Web service concerning the imageprocess is illustrated, but by a similar configuration, other Webservice concerning the input process and the output process can berealized.

In FIG. 31, the MF-apparatus 1200W includes an IP-screen (Image Processscreen) Web service providing process part 244, an IP-Web service (ImageProcess Web service) providing process part 344 for executing the imageprocess, and a Web server 500 for controlling communications withapparatuses connected through the network 15 by an HTTP request and anHTTP response in accordance with an http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

The Web server 500 includes a distributor 30 for distributing a processto the Web service providing process part 244 or 44 corresponding to anURI (Uniform Resource Identifier) or an URL (Uniform Resource Locator)indicated by the HTTP request, and an httpd (Hypertext Transfer ProtocolDaemon) 2 for controlling a communication in accordance with an http(Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Also, the MF-apparatus 1200W includes anSOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) processing part 70 for analyzingthe HTTP request and creating the HTTP response in accordance with SOAP,and an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) processing part 50 forprocessing a message in accordance with a XML, which are shared with theWeb service providing process parts 244 and 344. Moreover, the Webservice providing process part 244 include a dispatcher 64-1 forseparately obtaining parameters and a data file in the message anddispatching the parameters and the data file thereto.

First, a process flow will be described in that the MF-apparatus 1200Wdisplays the image process screen at the operation panel 1310 of theMF-apparatus 1200W and the image process is conducted in accordance withthe image process setting parameter 436-1 showing a setting of the user.In response to a request of the image process from the user, the imageprocess UIF 480-1 generates the mage process screen coordinate parameter482 based on the image process option information 435, and display theimage process screen at the operation panel 132. When the image processUIF 480-1 generates the image process screen coordinate parameter 482,the image process UIF 480-1 sets request sender information showing thatthe MF-apparatus 1200W itself made the request of the image processscreen, in the image process screen coordinate parameter 482. The userset the function options from the image process screen displayed at theoperation panel 1310 (step S501). The image process UIF 480-1 generatesposition coordinates (pointer) where the user set, as the image processsetting parameter 436-1, and determines whether or not the requestsender information of the image process screen coordinate parameter 482indicate the MF-apparatus 1200W itself. In this case, the request senderinformation indicates the MF-apparatus 1200W itself, the image processUIF 480-1 sends an event to the image process Web service providingprocess part 344 (step S502).

When the image process control module 440 receives the event, the imageprocess control module 440 conducts the image process in respect to theinput image data 601 based on the image process setting parameter 436-1,and generates the output image data 602.

Next, a process flow will be described in that the HTTP requestrequesting the image process screen from the client apparatus 1200C isreceived.

When the Web server 500 receives the HTTP request for requesting theimage process screen from the client apparatus 1200C in accordance withHTTP by httpd 2 (step S510), the distributor 30 sends the HTTP requestas a request to the image process screen Web service providing processpart 244 (step S511). The IP-screen Web service providing process part244 processes the request in accordance with SOAP by the SOAP processingpart 70, and sends to the XML processing part 50. The XML processingpart 50 processes the message describing in XML, the dispatcher 64-1obtains the message and determines whether or not the message indicatesthe URL. In this case, since the message indicates the URL, thedispatcher 64-1 notices the image process UIF 480-1 by the URL (stepS513).

The image process UIF 480-1 generates the image process screencoordinate parameter 482 based on the image process option information435. The image process UIF 480-1 the client apparatus 1200C as therequest sender information of the image process screen coordinateparameter 482, and sends the image process screen coordinate parameter482 to the XML processing part 50 (step S514). The XML processing part50 generates the XML 26 as the message describing the image processscreen coordinate parameter 482 in XML, and a response is generated inaccordance with SOAP by the SOAP processing part 70. The response issent to the httpd 2 of the Web server 500 (step S515). The httpd 2 sendsthe request as the HTTP response in accordance with HTTP (step S530).

Moreover, when the Web server 500 receives the HTTP request requestingthe image process from the client apparatus 1200C (step S510), similarto the process for the HTTP request requesting the image process screen,the steps S511 and S512 are conducted. The dispatcher 64-1 notices theimage process UIF 480-1 that the request shows the position coordinate(pointer) where the user indicates on the screen (step S520). In thesame manner, the image process UIF 480-1 generates the image processsetting parameter 436-1 showing the function options corresponding tothe position coordinates (pointer) and sends an event the image processcontrol module 440 (step S502).

When the image process control module 440 receives the event, the imageprocess control module 440 conducts the image process in respect to theinput image data 602 based on the image process setting parameter 436-1and generates the output image data 602. The process result of the imageprocess is sent to the XML processing part 50 (step S528). In this case,the output image data 602 can be an attachment to provide to the clientapparatus 1200C. Alternatively, the output image data 602 can beprovided in response to a request of obtaining output image data 602.

The XML processing part 50 generates the XML 26 describing the processresult in XML, the XML 26 as a response is processed by the SOAPprocessing part 70 in accordance with SOAP, the response is sent to thehttpd 2 of the Web server 500 (step S529). The httpd 2 sends the HTTPresponse in accordance with HTTP to the client apparatus 1200C (stepS530).

For example, by the same functional configuration as the secondfunctional configuration of the MF-apparatus 1200W, an input screen Webservice providing process part for providing screen for the inputprocess and an input Web service providing process part for conductingthe input process can be realized. Also, an output screen web serviceproviding process part for providing a screen for the output process andan output Web service providing process part for conducting the outputprocess can be realized. Moreover, by providing the service destinationdetermining part 5 for determining whether or not the SOAP command isinternally issued in respect to the response provided from the inputscreen Web service providing process part or the output screen Webservice providing process part, it is possible to internally utilize theinput Web service providing process part and the output Web serviceproviding process part.

Next, FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a second functional configuration ofthe client apparatus receiving the Web service from the MF-apparatusshown in FIG. 31. In FIG. 32, the client apparatus 1200C mainly includesan image process screen processing part 244C for displaying the imageprocess screen provided from the MF-apparatus 1200W at the operationpanel 1310C and conducting the image process, a Web service client 10for controlling a communication with the MF-apparatus 1200W inaccordance with SOAP, and a control module 430C for controlling an eventfrom the image process screen processing part 244C.

In FIG. 32, when the user select the image process screen of theMF-apparatus 1200 from an initial screen displayed at the operationpanel 1310C by the control module 430C (step S505), the image processUIF 480C-1 sends an event indicating a request of the image processscreen to the control module 430C (step S507). The Web service client 10generates the XML 26 describing a message showing contents of therequest in XML by the XML processing part 13, and sends to the SOAPprocessing part 12 (step S508). The SOAP processing part 12 sends theXML 26 in accordance with SOAP to the MF-apparatus 1200W (step S510).

When the Web service client 10 receives the HTTP response for the HTTPrequest showing the request of the image process screen of the clientapparatus 1200C (step S530), the HTTP response is process in accordancewith SOAP by the SOAP processing part 12 (step S531). XML processingpart 13 obtains the image process option information 435 and the imageprocess screen coordinate parameter 482 from the message described inXML and sends those to the control module 430C (step S532). Moreover,the control module 430C sends the image process screen coordinateparameter 482 to the image process UIF 480C-1 (step S533).

When the image process UIF 480C-1 displays the image process at theoperation panel 1310C and the user sets the function for the imageprocess (step S534), the image process UIF 480C-1 sends the positioncoordinates (pointer) where the user indicate on the operation panel1310C to the control module 430C (step S535).

The control module 430C sends the image process setting parameter 436 tothe XML processing part 13 (step S536). The XML processing part 13generates the XML 26 describing the image process setting parameter 436in XML. As described above, by conducting the steps S505 and S510, theHTTP request showing the request of the image process is sent to theMF-apparatus 1200W. After that, when the Web service client 10 of theclient apparatus 1200C receives the HTTP response showing the processresult of the image process in respect to the HTTP request indicatingthe image process (step S530), the SOAP processing part 12 processes theHTTP response in accordance with SOAP (step S531), the XML processingpart 13 obtains the message showing the process result and sends to thecontrol module 430C (step S539).

Accordingly, the client apparatus 1200C is not required to have the Webservice functions such as the input control, the image process, theoutput control, and a like. And the client apparatus 1200C can requestthe MF-apparatus 1200W to conduct those processes as higher functionsthrough the network 15.

By providing the first functional configuration of the client apparatus1200C shown in FIG. 32 to the MF-apparatus 1200W shown in FIG. 31, theMF-apparatus 1200W can share screens or functions among a plurality ofMF-apparatus 1200W since the MF-apparatus 1200W includes the Web clientfunction.

For example, a screen G650 shown in FIG. 33 can be displayed at theoperation panel 1310C of the client apparatus 1200C. FIG. 33 is adiagram showing an example a screen displayed at the client apparatus.In FIG. 33, the screen G650 includes a display area 651 for indicatingone apparatus for input process, a display area 652 for indicating oneapparatus for conducting the image process, and a display area 653 forindicating one apparatus for conducting the output process. Each of thedisplay areas 651, 652, and 653 includes a display area 610 fordisplaying a list of available apparatuses, and a display area 620 fordisplaying a list of functions that an apparatus selected by the usercan provide.

In the screen G650, the user selects other image apparatus 1200A, andthen selects from functions that the other image processing apparatus1200A. In addition, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200W forconducting the image process at the display area 610, and then selectsfrom the function that the MF-apparatus 1200W can provide. Moreover, theuser selects other image processing apparatus 1200B for conducting theoutput process at the display area 610, and then selects from thefunctions that the MF-apparatus 1200B can provide. These selections ofthe user are sent to the other image processing apparatus 1200A, theMF-apparatus 1200W, and the other image processing apparatus 1200B asthe input setting parameter 434, the image process setting parameter436, the output setting parameter 432, respectively.

According to the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment of thepresent invention, it is possible to utilize the user interfacesprovided by each image processing apparatus having different userinterface. And it is possible to conduct the same processes even if theuser interfaces are different from each other such as user interfacesrequiring originally different operations for a color process and ablack and white process. Also, a special technique is not required todevelop. Thus, even if the user interfaces are different from eachother, it is possible for the user to conduct the same processes byusing the operation panels 1321 and 1321C originally provided in theMF-apparatus 1200W and the client apparatus 1200C. Furthermore, it ispossible to easily maintain and improve each module.

Sixth Embodiment

In a sixth embodiment, a functional configuration and a hardwareconfiguration of the MF-apparatus 1200 providing option information 431,433, and 435 according to the sixth embodiment are the same as those ofthe MF-apparatus 1200 in the first embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, the MF-apparatus 1200 provides the optioninformation 431, 433, and 435 only.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing functional configurations of the imageinput/output application and the transmission application according tothe sixth embodiment. In FIG. 34, parts that are the same as the ones inFIG. 3 are indicated by the same reference numerals and explanationthereof will be omitted. In the MF-apparatus 1200 according to the sixthembodiment, in order for another apparatus to utilize an input process,an image process, and an output process available at the MF-apparatus1200 through the network 15, the transmission application 1217 transmitsthe option information 431, 433, and 435, respectively, in response to arequest of the option information from the other apparatus used by auser.

When the transmission application 1217 receives a request of the inputoption information 433, the transmission application 1217 transmits theinput option information 433 realizing a similar screen display of theMF-apparatus 1200, to the apparatus by the FTP 3. In the same manner,when the transmission application 1217 receives a request of the imageprocess option information 435 or the output option information 433, thetransmission application 1217 transmits the image process optioninformation 435 or the output option information 433 by the FTP 3.

By downloading each of the screen coordinate parameters 462, 482, and472, it is possible for an other apparatus to display a plurality offunctions available in the MF-apparatus 1200. Then, the settingparameters 434, 436, and 432 set by the user at the other apparatus arerespectively transmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200. The MF-apparatus 1200replaces the input setting parameter 434, the image process settingparameter 436, and the output setting parameter 432 with the settingparameters received from the other apparatus, respectively. Accordingly,it is possible for the MF-apparatus 1200 to conduct in accordance withthe setting parameters that are set by the user at the other apparatus.

In the functional configuration of the image input/output application1216 shown in FIG. 34, the input control module 410, the image processmodule 440, the output control module 420, and the UIF control module430 may be realized by Java™ programs. In this case, a Java VM (VirtualMemory) 450, which is shown by dashed lines, may be provided to executethe Java™ programs. The input option information 433, the image processoption information 435, and the output option information 431 are alsoprovided in the data structure readable by the Java™ programs. In theother apparatus connected through the network 15 to the MF-apparatus1200, if the Java™ programs can be executable, the input optioninformation 433, the image process option information 435, and theoutput option information 431 can be provided without depending onhardware of the other apparatus.

For example, in a case in which the other apparatus connected to theMF-apparatus 1200 through the network 15 has a lower function than thatof the MF-apparatus 1200 or only a single function (hereinafter, calledan SF-apparatus 100 (single functional image forming apparatus)), thisSF-apparatus 100 obtains the input option information 433, the imageprocess option information 435, and the output option information 431from the MF-apparatus 1200. Therefore, it is possible for theSF-apparatus 100 to provide the user higher functions provided by theMF-apparatus 1200.

Examples of process flows for displaying the functions of theMF-apparatus 1200 at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 will bedescribed, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.Also, in the sixth embodiment, the input option information 433 realizesthe input screen G600 shown in FIG. 5, the image process optioninformation 435 realizes the image process screen G630 shown in FIG. 7,and the output option information 431 realizes the output process screenG640 shown in FIG. 9. Therefore, the explanations of the screens G600,G630, and G640 will be omitted.

A process flow, which is conducted between the MF-apparatus 1200 and theSF-apparatus 100 in response to operations of the user at the inputscreen G600 in FIG. 5, will be described with reference to FIG. 35. FIG.35 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize adisplay of the input screen G600 of the MF-apparatus 1200 at theSF-apparatus 100.

In FIG. 35, when the user selects the button 61 to indicate oneapparatus for conducting the input process at the input screen G600 inFIG. 5 (step S611), the SF-apparatus 100 confirms existence of availableapparatuses for the input process in respect to all apparatusesconnected through the network (step S612). A method for confirming theexistence of the available apparatuses may confirm all apparatusesexisting on the network by a broadcast. Alternatively, the method mayconfirm specific apparatuses set beforehand. In response to an existenceconfirmation from the SF-apparatus 100, the MF-apparatus 1200 existingon the network replies to the SF-apparatus 100 with apparatus specificinformation including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus 1200,an apparatus name, and a like (step S613). When the SF-apparatus 100receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus 1200and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus 100 displays thelist of the apparatus names in the display area 610 at the input screenG600 in FIG. 5.

For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as the apparatus forconducting the input process from the display area 610 (step S614), theSF-apparatus 100 requests the input option information 433 of theMF-apparatus 1200 (step S615). The MF-apparatus 1200 sends the inputoption information 433 to the SF-apparatus 100 by the FTP 3 in responseto the request from the SF-apparatus 100 (step S616).

When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the input option information 433 fromthe MF-apparatus 1200, the SF-apparatus 100 generates the input screencoordinate parameter 462 by using the input option information 433 anddisplays the functions that the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide, in thedisplay area 620 of the input screen G600 (FIG. 5) displayed at theoperation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 by using the input screencoordinate parameter 462 (step S617). From the display area 620displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “PICTURE”, “AUTODARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” (step S618), an input UIF of the SF-apparatus100 generates the input setting parameter showing “PICTURE”, “AUTODARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” corresponding position coordinates thereof,and the input setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200(step S619).

The MF-apparatus 1200 sets the input setting parameter 434 received fromthe SF-apparatus 100 as the input setting parameter 434. Subsequently,the input control module 410 reads in the input image 600 from thescanner 1324 in accordance with the input setting parameter 434, andgenerates the input image data 601 (step S620).

Since the image input/output application 1216 sets the input settingparameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as the input settingparameter 434, the input control module 410 can conduct the inputprocess as if the user sets at the operation panel 1310 of theMF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes the inputprocess, the MF-apparatus 1200 sends an input result to the SF-apparatus100 (step S621). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus 100 displaysthe input result received from the MF-apparatus 1200 at the operationpanel (step S622).

Therefore, it is possible for the user to select the desired functionsfrom the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide,displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100. Also, it ispossible to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the input process basedon the desired functions of the user. For example, even if theSF-apparatus 100 does not have “PICTURE” function, it is possible foruser to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the input process by“PICTURE” function as one of the input setting parameter 434, from theSF-apparatus 100.

In FIG. 35, as for the input process, the process flow between theSF-apparatus 100 and the MF-apparatus 1200 is described. Also, theprocess flow shown in FIG. 35 can be realized between two MF-apparatuses1200 and between two SF-apparatuses.

A process flow between the MF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 inaccordance with operations of the user at the image process screen G630(FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. 36. FIG. 36 is aflowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a displayof the image process screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 at SF-apparatusaccording to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 36, when the user selects the button 62 to indicate oneapparatus for conducting the image process at the image process screenG630 displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 (stepS651), the SF-apparatus 100 confirms existence of available apparatusesfor the image process in respect to all apparatuses connected throughthe network (step S652). The method for confirming the existence of theavailable apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of theprocess flow for realizing a display of the input screen in FIG. 35. Inresponse to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus, theMF-apparatus 1200 existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus100 with apparatus specific information including an IP addressidentifying the MF-apparatus 1200, an apparatus name, and a like (stepS653). When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the apparatus specificinformation from the MF-apparatus 1200 and other apparatuses on thenetwork, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the list of the apparatus namesin the display area 610 at the image process screen G630 in FIG. 7.

For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as the apparatus forconducting the image process from the display area 610 in FIG. 7 (stepS654), the SF-apparatus 100 requests the image process optioninformation 435 of the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S655). The MF-apparatus1200 sends the image process option information 435 to the SF-apparatus100 by the FTP 3 in response to the request from the SF-apparatus 100(step S656).

When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the image process option information435 from the MF-apparatus 1200, the SF-apparatus 100 generates the imageprocess screen coordinate parameter 482 by using the image processoption information 435 and displays the functions that the MF-apparatus1200 can provide, in the display area 620 of the image process screenG630 (FIG. 7) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100by using the image process screen coordinate parameter 482 (step S657).From the display area 620 displaying the functions, for example, theuser selects “ME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” (step S658),an image process UIF of the SF-apparatus 100 generates the image processsetting parameter showing “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and“DIVIDE” corresponding to position coordinates thereof, and the imageprocess setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200 (stepS659).

The MF-apparatus 1200 obtains the input image data 601 (step S660). Whenthe input process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200, theMF-apparatus 1200 obtains the input image data 601 from theSF-apparatus. The image input/output application 1216 sets the imageprocess setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as theimage process setting parameter 436. The image process module 440conducts the image process in respect to the input image data 601 inaccordance with the image process setting parameter 436 and generatesthe output image data 602 (step S661).

Since the image input/output application 1216 sets the image processsetting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as the imageprocess setting parameter 436, the image process module 440 can conductthe image process as if the user sets at the operation panel 1310 of theMF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes the imageprocess, the MF-apparatus 1200 sends an image process result to theSF-apparatus 100 (step S662). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus100 displays the image process result received from the MF-apparatus1200 (step S663).

In FIG. 36, as for the image process, the process flow between theSF-apparatus 100 and the MF-apparatus 1200 is described. Also, theprocess flow shown in FIG. 36 can be realized between two MF-apparatuses1200 and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user toselect the desired functions from the list of the functions, which theMF-apparatus 1200 can provide, displayed at the operation panel of theSF-apparatus 100. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus 1200conduct the image process based on the desired functions of the user.

A process flow between the MF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus inaccordance with operations of the user at the output screen G640 (FIG.9) will be described with reference to FIG. 37. FIG. 37 is a flowchartdiagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of theoutput screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 at the SF-apparatus.

In FIG. 37, when the user selects the button 63 to indicate oneapparatus for conducting the output process at the output screen G640(FIG. 9) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 (stepS671), the SF-apparatus 100 confirms existence of available apparatusesfor the output process in respect to all apparatuses connected throughthe network (step S672). The method for confirming the existence of theavailable apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of theprocess flow for realizing the display of the input screen G600 in FIG.8. In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus, theMF-apparatus 1200 existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus100 with apparatus specific information including an IP addressidentifying the MF-apparatus 1200, an apparatus name, and a like (stepS673). When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the apparatus specificinformation from the MF-apparatus 1200 and other apparatuses on thenetwork, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the list of the apparatus namesin the display area 610 at the output screen G640 in FIG. 9.

For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as the apparatus forconducting the output process from the display area 610 (step S674), theSF-apparatus 100 requests the output option information 431 of theMF-apparatus 1200 (step S675). The MF-apparatus 1200 sends the outputoption information 431 to the SF-apparatus 100 by the FTP 3 in responseto the request from the SF-apparatus 100 (step S676).

When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the output option information 431from the MF-apparatus 1200, the SF-apparatus 100 generates the outputscreen coordinate parameter 472 by using the output option information431 and displays the functions that the MF-apparatus 1200 provide, inthe display area 620 of the input screen G640 (FIG. 9) displayed at theoperation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 by using the output screencoordinate parameter 472 (step S677). From the display area 620displaying the functions, for example, the user selects one of fouricons corresponding to the four stapling methods (step S678), the outputUIF of the SF-apparatus 100 generates the output setting parameterindicating “SORT” and “STAPLE” corresponding to position coordinatesthereof, and then the output setting parameter is transmitted to theMF-apparatus 1200 (step S679).

The MF-apparatus 1200 obtains the output image data 602 (step S680).When the output process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200, theMF-apparatus 1200 obtains the output image data 602 from theSF-apparatus 100. The output setting parameter 100, which is receivedfrom the SF-apparatus 100, is set to be the output setting parameter432. Then, the output control module 420 conducts the output process tothe output image data 602 in accordance with the output settingparameter 432 so as to form an image on the sheet as the output image603 and then outputs the output image 603 (step S681).

Since the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 isset as the output setting parameter 432, the output control module 420can conduct the output process as if the user set at the operation panel1310 of the MF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes theoutput process, the output result is sent to the SF-apparatus 100 (stepS682). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the outputresult received from the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S683).

In FIG. 37, as for the output process, the process flow between theSF-apparatus 100 and the MF-apparatus 1200 is described. Also, theprocess flow shown in FIG. 37 can be realized between two MF-apparatuses1200 and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user toselect the desired functions from the list of the functions, which theMF-apparatus 1200 can provide, displayed at the operation panel of theSF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conductthe output process based on the desired functions of the user.

The process patterns 1 through 4 based on various combinations of theinput process, the image process, and the output process shown in FIG. 4using user interfaces will be described in detail with reference to FIG.38 through FIG. 41, according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention. For example, an SF-apparatus (single functional imageprocessing apparatus) 100 shown in FIG. 38 through FIG. 41 is a singlecopier having only a copying function. For example, the SF-apparatus 100includes an input processing part 102 for reading in the input image 600formed on a sheet, an image processing part 104 for conducting the imageprocess to the input image data generated by reading in the input image600, an output processing part 106 for forming output image data 603,which the image process is conducted to, on the sheet and outputting thesheet as the output image 603, an operation panel 120 operated by theuser, and an operation controlling part 110 for controlling a display ofthe operation panel 120.

Moreover, the operation controlling part 110 includes at least an inputUIF 112 for generating the input screen coordinate parameter (not shown)so as to display the input screen G600 as shown FIG. 5, an image processUIF 113 for generating the image process screen coordinate parameter(not shown) so as to display the image process screen G630 as shown inFIG. 7, an output UIF 114 for generating the output screen coordinateparameter (not shown) so as to display the output screen G640 as shownin FIG. 9, an OCS 116 for controlling the operation panel 120 based onthe screen information provided from each of the input UIF 112, theimage process UIF 113, and the output UIF 114, in respect to theoperation panel 120.

Furthermore, when each user interface program realizing the input UIF112, the image process UIF 113, and the output UIF 114 is a Java™program, the operation controlling part 110 includes a Java™ VM 118. Inthe SF-apparatus 100, all process parts including the OCS 116, the inputUIF 112, the image process UIF 113, and the output UIF 114 can berealized by the Java™ programs. In this case, even if the OCS 116 is notincluded in the SF-apparatus 100, the SF-apparatus 100 can be compatibleto the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 38 through FIG. 41, parts shown by dashed lines other than theJava™ VM 450 and the Java™ VM 118 are originally provided in theMF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 but not used in each of theprocess patterns 1 through 4. In addition, parts shown by double linesare replaced with data file sent from the MF-apparatus 1200 or theSF-apparatus 100.

Process Pattern 1

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 1 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 38, the display process, the input process, and theoutput process are conducted by the SF-apparatus 100, and only the imageprocess is conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

First, when the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 itself as an apparatusfor the input process at the operation panel 120, the input UIF 112originally provided in the SF-apparatus 100 produces the input screencoordinate parameter (not shown) based on input option information 156and the functions for the input process that the SF-apparatus 100 canprovide is displayed at the operation panel 120 by the input screencoordinate parameter. When the user selects the functions, the input UIF112 generates the input setting parameter (not shown) showing thefunctions set by the user. The input processing part 102 reads in theinput image 600 in accordance with the input setting parameter (notshown) that is generated by the input UIF 112 so as to indicate thefunction set by the user and generates the input image data 601.

Next, when the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as an apparatus forconducting the image process from the operation panel 120, in accordancewith the process flow shown in FIG. 36, the image process optioninformation (not shown) of the image process UIF 113 (not shown) isreplaced with the image process option information 435 obtained from theMF-apparatus 1200. The image process UIF 480 displays the function thatthe MF-apparatus 1200 can provide, at the operation panel 120 throughthe OCS 116 based on the image process option information 435. When theuser selects the functions, the image process 480 generates the imageprocess setting parameter 136 indicating the function set by the user.The SF-apparatus 100 transmits the input image data 601 generated by theimage process setting parameter 136 and the input processing part 102,to the MF-apparatus 1200. The input image data 601 can be transmitted inresponse to a request from the image input/output application 1216 ofthe MF-apparatus 1200.

The image input/output application 1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200replaces the image process setting parameter 436 with the image processsetting parameter 136 received from the SF-apparatus 100. And the imageprocess module 440 conducts the image process in respect to the inputimage data 601 received from the SF-apparatus 100 based on the imageprocess setting parameter 436, and generates the output image data 602as a result. The output image data 602 is transmitted to theSF-apparatus 100. The output image data 602 can be transmitted inresponse to a request from the SF-apparatus 100.

When the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 itself as an apparatus forthe output process at the operation panel 120, the output UIF 114originally provided in the SF-apparatus 100 produces the output screencoordinate parameter (not shown) based on output option information 157and the functions for the output process that the SF-apparatus 100 canprovide is displayed, at the operation panel 120 by the output screencoordinate parameter. When the user selects the functions, the outputUIF 114 generates the output setting parameter (not shown) indicatingthe functions set by the user. The output processing part 106 forms theoutput image data 602 on the sheet in accordance with the output settingparameter (not shown) that is generated by the output UIF 114 so as toindicate the functions set by the user, and then outputs the outputimage 603.

As described above, the user can have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct theimage process only through a network 15.

Process Pattern 2

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 2 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 39, only the display process is conducted by theSF-apparatus 100, and the input process, the image process, and theoutput process are conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 39, when the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as an apparatusfor the input process, the image process, and the output process at theoperation panel 120 of the SF-apparatus 100, in accordance with theprocess flow shown in FIG. 35, the input option information (not shown)of the input UIF 112 (not shown) is replaced with the input optioninformation 433 obtained from the MF-apparatus 1200. The input UIF 112displays the functions for the input process that the MF-apparatus 1200can provide, at the operation panel 120 through the OCS 116 based on theinput option information 433. After that, the input setting parameter134, which is generated by the input UIF 112 so as to indicate thefunctions set by the user, is sent to the MF-apparatus 1200.

Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in FIG. 36, theimage process screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 is displayed at theSF-apparatus 100 base on image process option information 435, withwhich the image process option information (not shown) of the imageprocess UIF 113 originally provided by the image process UIF 113 isreplaced. The image process setting parameter 136 is generated so as toindicate the function that the user sets for the image process from theimage process screen. The image process setting parameter 436 of theMF-apparatus 1200 is replaced with the image process setting parameter136 that indicates the functions for the image process set by the userfrom the image process screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 and is receivedfrom the SF-apparatus 100. The image process module 440 generates theoutput image data 602 based on the image process setting parameter 436.

Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in FIG. 24, theoutput screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 is displayed at the SF-apparatus100 base on output option information 435, with which the output optioninformation (not shown) of the output UIF 114 originally provided by theoutput UIF 114 is replaced. The output setting parameter 432 isgenerated so as to indicate the function that the user sets for theoutput process from the output screen. The output setting parameter 432of the MF-apparatus 1200 is replaced with the output setting parameter(not shown) that indicates the functions for the image process set bythe user from the image process screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 and isreceived from the SF-apparatus 100. The output module 420 outputs theoutput image data 602 based on the output setting parameter 432.

As described above, it is possible for the user to have the MF-apparatus1200 conduct all of the input process, the image process, and the outputprocess through the network 15. Alternatively, the image process can beconducted at the SF-apparatus 100. In this case, the SF-apparatus 100may obtain the input image data 601 from the MF-apparatus 1200, and sendthe output image data 602 generated after the image process is conductedto the input image data 601, as well as the output setting parameter132.

Process Pattern 3

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 3 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 40, the display process and the input process areconducted by the SF-apparatus 100 and the image process and the outputprocess are conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 40, when the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 as an apparatusfor conducting the input process at the operation panel 120 of theSF-apparatus 100 and selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as an apparatus forthe image process and the output process, the input processing part 102of the SF-apparatus 100 reads in the input image 600, and generates theinput image data 601. After that, similar to the process pattern 1 shownin FIG. 38, the image process option information (not shown) of theSF-apparatus 100 is replaced with the image process option information435 of the MF-apparatus 1200. After that, in the image input/outputapplication 1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, in accordance with the imageprocess setting parameter 436 replaced with the image process settingparameter 136 received from the SF-apparatus 100, the image processmodule 440 generates the output image data 602. Moreover, similar to theprocess pattern 2 shown in FIG. 26, the output option information (notshown) of the SF-apparatus 100 is replaced with the output optioninformation 431 of the MF-apparatus 1200. After that, in the imageinput/output application 1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, in accordancewith the output setting parameter 432 replaced with the output settingparameter 132 received from the SF-apparatus 100, the output controlmodule 420 outputs the output image 603.

As described above, the user can conduct the input process alone at theSF-apparatus 100, and have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the imageprocess and the output process. Alternatively, the image process can beconducted by the SF-apparatus 100. In this case, the SF-apparatus 100may send the output image data 602 generated after the image process isconduct to the input image data 601 generated by the input processingpart 102, with the output setting parameter 132.

The Process Pattern 4

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern 4 shownin FIG. 4. In FIG. 41, the display process and output process areconducted by the SF-apparatus 100, and the input process and the imageprocess are conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 41, when the user selects the SF-apparatus 100 as an apparatusfor conducting the input process and the output process at the operationpanel 120 of the SF-apparatus 100, and selects the MF-apparatus 1200 asan apparatus for conducting the image process, similar to the processpattern 2 shown in FIG. 39, the input option information (not shown) ofthe SF-apparatus 100 is replaced with input option information 433 ofthe MF-apparatus 1200. After that, in the image input/output application1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, in accordance with the input settingparameter 434 replaced with the input setting parameter 134 receivedfrom the SF-apparatus 100, the input control module 410 generates theinput image data 601. Moreover, the image process option information(not shown) of the SF-apparatus 100 is replaced with the image processoption information 435 of the MF-apparatus 1200. After that, in theimage input/output application 1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200, inaccordance with the image process setting parameter 436 replaced withthe image process setting parameter 136 received from the SF-apparatus100, the image process module 440 generates the output image data 602.Subsequently, when the SF-apparatus 100 obtains the output image data602 from the MF-apparatus 1200, the output process is conducted by theoutput processing part 106, and outputs the output image 603.

As described above, it is possible for the user at the SF-apparatus 100to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the input process and the imageprocess. Alternatively, the image process can be conducted by theSF-apparatus 100. In this case, the SF-apparatus 100 obtains the inputimage data 601 from the MF-apparatus 1200, and sends the output imagedata 602 generated after the image process is conducted to the inputimage data 601, with the output setting parameter 132.

Regarding the process patterns 1 through 4, a case in which theMF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 are connected to each otherthrough the network 15. Alternatively, the present invention can beapplied to more than three image processing apparatuses connecting toeach other through the network 15.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, it is possible to input theinput image 600 by utilizing an option (the ADF, a both sides ADF, or alike) pertaining to the MF-apparatus 1200 connected to any imageprocessing apparatus through the network 15. For example, by using theMF-apparatus 1200 having the both sides ADF 1350, the user canconsecutively input the input image 600 (a plurality of documents)having an image on both sides, and also can output from the SF-apparatus100 (copier) having only a press board.

Moreover, by using an option (finisher such as a punch or a stapler)pertaining to the MF-apparatus 1200, the user can output the outputimage 603 at the MF-apparatus 1200 connected to any SF-apparatus 100through the network 15. For example, by using higher functions by fulloptions, it is possible to output the output image 603 from the copierhaving a single function or a personal computer (PC). Since the optioninformation 431, 433, and 435 are obtained through the network 15, a newuser interface is not required for the SF-apparatus 100 at which theuser operates. Accordingly, the user can instruct by the same operationunder the interface provided by the MF-apparatus 1200 anywhere. Also,when a new function is added to the MF-apparatus 1200 connected to thenetwork 15, even if the SF-apparatus 100 where the user operates, theuser can utilize the interface for operating the new function of theMF-apparatus 1200 and operate as if the user uses the MF-apparatus 1200.

Furthermore, if the MF-apparatus 1200 having higher functions exists onthe network 15, by sending the input image data 601 to the MF-apparatus1200 and the output image data 602 to the SF-apparatus 100, even theSF-apparatus 100, which does not have the image process as the higherfunctions, can realize the same higher functions as the MF-apparatus1200. In this case, means for providing and setting the higher functionsfor the image process is not required for the SF-apparatus 100 as anoperation side. Accordingly, the user operates in the same way at anySF-apparatus 100.

In the sixth embodiment, on the network 15, only the plotter 1321 of theMF-apparatus 1200 as an output option, the scanner 1324 of theMF-apparatus 1200 as an input option, and the SF-apparatus 100 (copier)as the input option and the output option are provided, but a pluralityof the input options and the output options can be provided. Alloptions, for example, the apparatuses connected through the network 15and a scanner, a printer, a copier, and a like can be shared as thefunctions. Also, as an output, it is not limited to printing on thesheet, but as an electronic data, output data can be stored to a serverfor managing a document. Also, the input side can be a documentmanagement server for managing the electronic data, instead of the papersheet. As described above, by storing as a document, an existing imagedata can be utilized. Accordingly, data frequently used by the user aresimply maintained on the network 15, it is possible to utilize the datain many output methods by various options.

Seventh Embodiment

In a seventh embodiment, a functional configuration and a hardwareconfiguration of the MF-apparatus 1200 providing system information 452according to the seventh embodiment are the same as those of theMF-apparatus 1200 in the first embodiment.

In the seventh embodiment, the MF-apparatus 1200 provides systeminformation 452 only.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing functional configurations of the imageinput/output application and the transmission application according tothe seventh embodiment. In FIG. 42, parts that are the same as the onesin FIG. 3 are indicated by the same reference numerals and explanationthereof will be omitted. In the MF-apparatus 1200 according to theseventh embodiment, in order for another apparatus to utilize an inputprocess, an image process, and an output process available at theMF-apparatus 1200 through the network 15, the transmission application1217 transmits the system information 452, respectively, in response toa request of the system information 452 from the other apparatus used bya user.

When the transmission application 1217 receives a request of the systeminformation 452, the transmission application 1217 transmits the systeminformation 452 realizing similar screen displays of the MF-apparatus1200, to the apparatus by the FTP 3. In the same manner, when thetransmission application 1217 receives a request of the systeminformation 452, the transmission application 1217 transmits the systeminformation 452 by the FTP 3.

By downloading each of the system information 452, it is possible foranother apparatus to display a plurality of functions available in theMF-apparatus 1200. Then, the setting parameters 434, 436, and 432 set bythe user at the other apparatus are respectively transmitted to theMF-apparatus 1200. The MF-apparatus 1200 replaces the input settingparameter 434, the image process setting parameter 436, and the outputsetting parameter 432 with the setting parameters received from theother apparatus, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible for theMF-apparatus 1200 to conduct in accordance with the setting parametersthat are set by the user at the other apparatus.

In the functional configuration of the image input/output application1216 shown in FIG. 34, the input control module 410, the image processmodule 440, the output control module 420, and the UIF control module430 may be realized by Java™ programs. In this case, a Java VM (VirtualMemory) 450, which is shown by dashed lines, may be provided to executethe Java™ programs. The system information 452 is also provided in thedata structure readable by the Java™ programs. In the other apparatusconnected through the network 15 to the MF-apparatus 1200, if the Java™programs can be executable, the system information 452 can be providedwithout depending on hardware of the other apparatus.

For example, in a case in which the other apparatus connected to theMF-apparatus 1200 through the network 15 has a lower function than thatof the MF-apparatus 1200 or only a single function (hereinafter, calledan SF-apparatus 100 (single functional image forming apparatus)), thisSF-apparatus 100 obtains the system information 452 from theMF-apparatus 1200. Therefore, it is possible for the SF-apparatus 100 toprovide the user higher functions provided by the MF-apparatus 1200.

Examples of screens and process flows for displaying the functions ofthe MF-apparatus 1200 at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus will bedescribed, according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.In the following explanations, it is assumed that the SF-apparatus 100is a copier. For the sake of convenience, examples of the screendisplayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 will bedescribed. However, since the system information 452 provided from theMF-apparatus 1200, it is possible to similarly display the screen shownin FIGS. 43, 44, and 45 at the operation panel 1310 of the MF-apparatus1200.

First, an example of the input screen by the system information 452 willbe described with reference to FIG. 43. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing theexample of the input screen. In FIG. 43, the input screen G600-1includes a button 61-1 for setting functions for the input process, abutton 62-1 for setting functions for the image process, a button 63-1for setting functions for the output process, a display area 610 forshowing a list of apparatuses existing on the network and allowing theuser to select one of the apparatuses, and a display area 620 forshowing functions processed by the apparatus selected by the user fromthe display area 610 and allowing the user to select one of thefunctions.

In the input screen G600-1, the display area 610 displays the list ofthe apparatuses that exist on the network and are available to processimage. For example, the display area 610 displays “COPIER” as the singlefunctional image process apparatus itself, “MF-APPARATUS” as theMF-apparatus 1200, “APPARATUS 01”, “APPARATUS 02”, “APPARATUS 03”, and“APPARATUS 04” as apparatus names. For example, when the user selects“MF-apparatus” and then selects the button 61-1 for setting functionsfor the input process, the display area 620 displays the function thatcan be provided by the MF-apparatus 1200.

For example, the display area 620 displays “TEXT” for reading in theinput image 600 by a text mode, “PICTURE” for reading in the input image600 by a picture mode, “AUTO DARKNESS” for allowing “MF-APPARATUS” todetermine a darkness of the input image 600, “LIGHT” and “DARK” forallowing the user to determine the darkness of the input image 600, “ONESIDE” for reading in one side of the input image 600, and “BOTH SIDES”for reading in both sides of the input image 600. For example, when theuser selects “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “BOTH SIDES”, the inputsetting parameter showing “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “BOTH SIDES”is generated, and transmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200. The MF-apparatus1200 sets the input setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100as the input setting parameter 434, and the input control module 410controls the scanner 1324 to read in the input image 600 in accordancewith the input setting parameter 434.

Next, an example of the image process screen for image process based onthe system information 452 of the MF-apparatus 1200 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 44. FIG. 44 is a diagram showing the example ofthe image process screen. In FIG. 44, an image process screen G630-1 hasthe same screen structure as the input screen G600-1. In FIG. 44, partsthat are the same as the ones in FIG. 43 are indicated by the samereference numerals and the explanation thereof will be omitted. In thedisplay area of the image process screen G630-1, since “MF-APPARATUS”has been selected, the apparatuses names are displayed in gray andcannot be selected by the user.

In the image process screen G630-1, when the user selects the button62-1 for setting the functions for the image process, the list of theapparatuses, which exist on the network and can conduct the imageprocess, is displayed in the display area 610. When the user selects“MF-APPARATUS”, the functions, which can be set for the image process,are displayed in the display area 620.

For example, the display area 620 displays “FRAME ELIMINATION” foreliminating shadows of a periphery of a sheet, “REVERSE” for copying byreversing image colors, “STAMP” for stamping the sheet to show that theimage process is conducted, “NOISE ELIMINATION” for correcting noisesfor the input image, “ACTUAL SIZE” for processing the input image by aactual size, “OUTPUT SHEET SIZE” for processing the input image by anoutput sheet size, “100%” for allowing the user to indicate amagnification of the image by a ten-key, “DISPLAY” for indicating theimage process including a displaying process, “EDIT” for repeating theimage in a single sheet or synthesizing different images in a singlesheet, “DIVIDE” for processing two pages at right and left sides into asingle sheet, and alike. For example, when the user selects “FRAMEELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE”, the image process settingparameter indicating “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” isgenerated. The image process setting parameter is sent to theMF-apparatus 1200. The MF-apparatus 1200 sets the image process settingparameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as the image processsetting parameter 436. Accordingly, the image process module 440conducts the image process in respect to the input image data 601 inaccordance with the image process setting parameter 436 and generatesthe output image data 602.

Next, an example of the output screen based on the system information452 of the MF-apparatus 1200 will be described with reference to FIG.45. FIG. 45 is a diagram showing the example of the output screen. InFIG. 45, an output screen G640-1 has the same screen structure as theinput screen G600-1. In FIG. 45, parts that are the same as the ones inFIG. 43 are indicated by the same reference numerals and the explanationthereof will be omitted. In the display area of the output screenG640-1, since “MF-APPARATUS” has been selected, the apparatuses namesare displayed in gray and cannot be selected by the user.

In the output screen G640-1, when the user selects the button 63-1 forsetting the functions for the output process, the list of theapparatuses, which exist on the network and can conduct the outputprocess, is displayed in the display area 610. When the user selects“MF-APPARATUS”, the functions, which can be set for the output process,are displayed in the display area 620.

For example, the display area 620 displays “SORT” for output in a pageorder for each document set, “STACK” for output for each page, “STAPLE”showing four stapling methods by four icons, “PUNCH” showing twopunching methods by two icons, and a like. For example, when the userselects one of four icons showing the four stapling methods, the outputsetting parameter indicating “SORT” and one of methods of “STAPLE” isgenerated. The output setting parameter is sent to the MF-apparatus1200. The image input/output application 1216 of the MF-apparatus 1200sets the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 asthe output setting parameter 432. Accordingly, the output control module420 conducts the output process in respect to the output image data 602in accordance with the output setting parameter 432 so as to form animage on a sheet as the output image 603 and outputs the output image603 by the plotter 1321.

A process flow between the MF-apparatus 1200 and the SF-apparatus 100 inaccordance with operations of the user at the input screen G600-1, theimage process screen G630-1, and the output screen G640-1 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 46 and FIG. 47. FIG. 46 is a flowchartdiagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of theoutput screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus.

In FIG. 46, when the input screen G600-1 is displayed at the operationpanel of the SF-apparatus 100 (step S711), the SF-apparatus 100 confirmsexistence of available apparatuses for the output process in respect toall apparatuses connected through the network (step S712). The methodfor confirming the existence of the available apparatuses can be thesame method described in a case of the process flow for realizing thedisplay of the input screen G600 in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment. Inresponse to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus 100, theMF-apparatus 1200 existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus100 with apparatus specific information including an IP addressidentifying the MF-apparatus 1200, an apparatus name, and a like (stepS713). When the SF-apparatus 100 receives the apparatus specificinformation from the MF-apparatus 1200 and other apparatuses on thenetwork, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the list of the apparatus namesin the display area 610 at the input screen G600-1.

For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as an availableapparatus from the display area 610 (step S714), the SF-apparatus 100requests the system information 452 of the MF-apparatus 1200 (stepS715). The MF-apparatus 1200 sends the system information 452 to theSF-apparatus 100 by the FTP 3 in response to the request from theSF-apparatus 100 (step S716).

As described above, available apparatuses are displayed in the displayarea 610 at the input screen G600-1.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow torealize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at theSF-apparatus. In FIG. 47, when the SF-apparatus 100 receives the systeminformation 452 from the MF-apparatus 1200, the SF-apparatus 100generates input option information and an input screen coordinateparameter based on the system information 452, and displays thefunctions that the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide, in the display area620 of the input screen G600 (FIG. 5) displayed at the operation panelof the SF-apparatus 100 by using the input screen coordinate parameter462 (step S717). From the display area 620 displaying the functions, forexample, the user selects “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE”(step S718), an input UIF 112 (FIG. 48) of the SF-apparatus 100generates the input setting parameter showing “PICTURE”, “AUTODARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” corresponding position coordinates thereof,and the input setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200(step S719).

The MF-apparatus 1200 sets the input setting parameter 434 received fromthe SF-apparatus 100 as the input setting parameter 434. Subsequently,the input control module 410 reads in the input image 600 from thescanner 1324 in accordance with the input setting parameter 434, andgenerates the input image data 601 (step S720).

Since the image input/output application 1216 sets the input settingparameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as the input settingparameter 434, the input control module 410 can conduct the inputprocess as if the user sets at the operation panel 1310 of theMF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes the inputprocess, the MF-apparatus 1200 sends an input result to the SF-apparatus100 (step S721). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus 100 displaysthe input result received from the MF-apparatus 1200 at the operationpanel (step S722).

Therefore, it is possible for the user to select the desired functionsfrom the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide,displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus 100. Also, it ispossible to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the input process basedon the desired functions of the user. For example, even if theSF-apparatus 100 does not have “PICTURE” function, it is possible foruser to have the MF-apparatus 1200 conduct the input process by“PICTURE” function as one of the input setting parameter 434, from theSF-apparatus 100.

Subsequently, when the user select the button 62-1 for setting thefunctions of the image process, the SF-apparatus 100 generates imageprocess option information and an image process screen coordinateparameter based on the system information 452, and displays thefunctions that the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide, in the display area620 of the image process screen G630-1 (FIG. 44) displayed at theoperation panel of the SF-apparatus 100 by using the image processscreen coordinate parameter (step S757). From the display area 620displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “MEELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” (step S758), an image processUIF of the SF-apparatus 100 generates the image process settingparameter showing “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE”corresponding to position coordinates thereof, and the image processsetting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S759).

The MF-apparatus 1200 obtains the input image data 601 (step S760). Whenthe input process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200, theMF-apparatus 1200 obtains the input image data 601 from theSF-apparatus. The image input/output application 1216 sets the imageprocess setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as theimage process setting parameter 436. The image process module 440conducts the image process in respect to the input image data 601 inaccordance with the image process setting parameter 436 and generatesthe output image data 602 (step S761).

Since the image input/output application 1216 sets the image processsetting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 as the imageprocess setting parameter 436, the image process module 440 can conductthe image process as if the user sets at the operation panel 1310 of theMF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes the imageprocess, the MF-apparatus 1200 sends an image process result to theSF-apparatus 100 (step S762). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus100 displays the image process result received from the MF-apparatus1200 (step S763).

Subsequently, when the user select the button 63-1 for setting thefunctions of the output process, the SF-apparatus 100 generates outputoption information and an output screen coordinate parameter based onthe system information 452, and displays the functions that theMF-apparatus 1200 provide, in the display area 620 of the input screenG640-1 (FIG. 45) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus100 by using the output screen coordinate parameter (step S777). Fromthe display area 620 displaying the functions, for example, the userselects one of four icons corresponding to the four stapling methods(step S778), the output UIF of the SF-apparatus 100 generates the outputsetting parameter indicating “SORT” and “STAPLE” corresponding toposition coordinates thereof, and then the output setting parameter istransmitted to the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S779).

The MF-apparatus 1200 obtains the output image data 602 (step S780).When the output process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus 1200, theMF-apparatus 1200 obtains the output image data 602 from theSF-apparatus 100. The output setting parameter, which is received fromthe SF-apparatus 100, is set to be the output setting parameter 432.Then, the output control module 420 conducts the output process to theoutput image data 602 in accordance with the output setting parameter432 so as to form an image on the sheet as the output image 603 and thenoutputs the output image 603 (step S781).

Since the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus 100 isset as the output setting parameter 432, the output control module 420can conduct the output process as if the user set at the operation panel1310 of the MF-apparatus 1200. When the MF-apparatus 1200 completes theoutput process, the output result is sent to the SF-apparatus 100 (stepS682). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus 100 displays the outputresult received from the MF-apparatus 1200 (step S683).

In FIG. 46 and FIG. 47, as for the output process, the process flowbetween the SF-apparatus 100 and the MF-apparatus 1200 is described.Also, the process flow shown in FIG. 37 can be realized between twoMF-apparatuses 1200 and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible forthe user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions,which the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide, displayed at the operationpanel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus1200 conduct the output process based on the desired functions of theuser.

An example of the process using the user interface realized by thescreens and the process flow described in FIG. 4 through FIG. 8 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 48, according to the seventh embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an example of theprocess using the user interface realized by the screens and the processflow described in FIG. 43 through FIG. 47. For example, an SF-apparatus(single functional image processing apparatus) 100 shown in FIG. 48 is asingle copier having only a copying function. For example, theSF-apparatus 100 includes an input processing part 102 for reading inthe input image 600 formed on a sheet, an image processing part 104 forconducting the image process to the input image data generated byreading in the input image 600, an output processing part 106 forforming output image data 603, which the image process is conducted to,on the sheet and outputting the sheet as the output image 603, anoperation panel 120 operated by the user, and an operation controllingpart 110 for controlling a display of the operation panel 120.

Moreover, the operation controlling part 110 includes at least an inputUIF 112 for generating the input screen coordinate parameter (not shown)so as to display the input screen G600-1 as shown FIG. 43, an imageprocess UIF 113 for generating the image process screen coordinateparameter (not shown) so as to display the image process screen G630 asshown in FIG. 44, an output UIF 114 for generating the output screencoordinate parameter (not shown) so as to display the output screen G640as shown in FIG. 45, an OCS 116 for controlling the operation panel 120based on the screen information provided from each of the input UIF 112,the image process UIF 113, and the output UIF 114, in respect to theoperation panel 120.

Furthermore, when each user interface program realizing the input UIF112, the image process UIF 113, and the output UIF 114 is a Java™program, the operation controlling part 110 includes a Java™ VM 118. Inthe SF-apparatus 100, all process parts including the OCS 116, the inputUIF 112, the image process UIF 113, and the output UIF 114 can berealized by the Java™ programs. In this case, even if the OCS 116 is notincluded in the SF-apparatus 100, the SF-apparatus 100 can be compatibleto the MF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 48, parts shown by dashed lines other than the Java™ VM 450 andthe Java™ VM 118 are originally provided in the MF-apparatus 1200 andthe SF-apparatus 100 but not used in this example of the process. Inaddition, parts shown by double lines are replaced with data file sentfrom the MF-apparatus 1200 or the SF-apparatus 100. In FIG. 48, only thedisplay process is conducted by the SF-apparatus 100, and the inputprocess, the image process, and the output process are conducted by theMF-apparatus 1200.

In FIG. 48, when the user selects the MF-apparatus 1200 as an apparatusfor the input process, the image process, and the output process at theoperation panel 120 of the SF-apparatus 100, the input UIF 112originally provided in the SF-apparatus 100 generates the input optioninformation 433 from the system information 452 obtained from theMF-apparatus 1200 and the generates the input screen coordinateparameter (not shown) similar to that of the MF-apparatus 1200 based onthe input option information 433. The input UIF 112 displays thefunctions for the input process that the MF-apparatus 1200 can provide,at the operation panel 120 through the OCS 116 based on the input optioninformation. When the user select the functions, the input UIF 12generates the input setting parameter 134 indicating the function thatis set by the user. The SF-apparatus 100 transmits the input settingparameter 134 to the MF-apparatus 1200.

In the MF-apparatus 1200, the input setting parameter 434 of the imageinput/output application 1216 is replaced with the input settingparameter 134 received from the SF-apparatus 100. The input image 600 isread in by the input control module 410 and then the input image data601 is generated in the MF-apparatus 1200.

Similarly, the image process UIF 113 originally provided in theSF-apparatus generates the image process option information 435, whichis the same as the MF-apparatus 1200, based on the system information452. The image process screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 is displayed atthe SF-apparatus 100 base on image process option information 435generated in the SF-apparatus 100. The image process setting parameter136 is generated so as to indicate the functions for the image processwhen the user sets the functions from the image process screen. Theimage process setting parameter 436 of the MF-apparatus 1200 is replacedwith the image process setting parameter (not shown) that indicates thefunctions for the image process set by the user from the image processscreen of the MF-apparatus 1200 and is received from the SF-apparatus100. The image process module 440 generates the output image data 602based on the image process setting parameter 436.

Similarly, the output UIF 114 originally provided in the SF-apparatusgenerates the output option information 431, which is the same as theMF-apparatus 1200, based on the system information 452. The outputscreen of the MF-apparatus 1200 is displayed at the SF-apparatus 100base on output option information 431 generated in the SF-apparatus 100.The output setting parameter 136 is generated so as to indicate thefunctions for the output process when the user sets the functions fromthe output screen. The output setting parameter 432 of the MF-apparatus1200 is replaced with the output setting parameter (not shown) thatindicates the functions for the image process set by the user from theimage process screen of the MF-apparatus 1200 and is received from theSF-apparatus 100. The output module 420 outputs the output image data602 based on the output setting parameter 432.

As described above, it is possible for the user to have the MF-apparatus1200 conduct all of the input process, the image process, and the outputprocess through the network 15. Alternatively, the image process can beconducted at the SF-apparatus 100. In this case, the SF-apparatus 100may obtain the input image data 601 from the MF-apparatus 1200, and sendthe output image data 602 generated after the image process is conductedto the input image data 601, as well as the output setting parameter132.

In the seventh embodiment, a case in which the MF-apparatus 1200 and theSF-apparatus 100 are connected to each other through the network 15.Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to more than threeimage processing apparatuses connecting to each other through thenetwork 15.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment, it is possible to inputthe input image 600 by utilizing an option (the ADF, a both sides ADF,or a like) pertaining to the MF-apparatus 1200 connected to any imageprocessing apparatus through the network 15. For example, by using theMF-apparatus 1200 having the both sides ADF 1350, the user canconsecutively input the input image 600 (a plurality of documents)having an image on both sides, and also can output from the SF-apparatus100 (copier) having only a press board.

Moreover, by using an option (finisher such as a punch or a stapler)pertaining to the MF-apparatus 1200, the user can output the outputimage 603 at the MF-apparatus 1200 connected to any SF-apparatus 110through the network 15. For example, by using higher functions by fulloptions, it is possible to output the output image 603 from the copierhaving a single function or a personal computer (PC). Since the systeminformation 452 is obtained through the network 15, a new user interfaceis not required for the SF-apparatus 100 at which the user operates.Accordingly, the user can instruct by the same operation under theinterface provided by the MF-apparatus 1200 anywhere. Also, when a newfunction is added to the MF-apparatus 1200 connected to the network 15,even if the SF-apparatus 100 where the user operates, the user canutilize the interface for operating the new function of the MF-apparatus1200 and operate as if the user uses the MF-apparatus 1200.

Furthermore, if the MF-apparatus 1200 having higher functions exists onthe network 15, by sending the input image data 601 to the MF-apparatus1200 and the output image data 602 to the SF-apparatus 100, even theSF-apparatus 100, which does not have the image process as the higherfunctions, can realize the same higher functions as the MF-apparatus1200. In this case, means for providing and setting the higher functionsfor the image process is not required for the SF-apparatus 100 as anoperation side. Accordingly, the user operates in the same way at anySF-apparatus 100.

In the seventh embodiment, on the network 15, only the plotter 1321 ofthe MF-apparatus 1200 as an output option, the scanner 1324 of theMF-apparatus 1200 as an input option, and the SF-apparatus 100 (copier)as the input option and the output option are provided, but a pluralityof the input options and the output options can be provided. Alloptions, for example, the apparatuses connected through the network 15and a scanner, a printer, a copier, and a like can be shared as thefunctions. Also, as an output, it is not limited to printing on thesheet, but as an electronic data, output data can be stored to a serverfor managing a document. Also, the input side can be a documentmanagement server for managing the electronic data, instead of the papersheet. As described above, by storing as a document, an existing imagedata can be utilized. Accordingly, data frequently used by the user aresimply maintained on the network 15, it is possible to utilize the datain many output methods by various options.

The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosedembodiments; and variations and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

The present application is based on the Japanese priority applicationsNo. 2001-249279 filed on Aug. 20, 2001, No. 2001-344977 filed on Nov. 9,2001, No. 2002-236657 filed on Aug. 14, 2002, No. 2002-236658 filed onAug. 14, 2002, No. 2002-236659 filed on Aug. 14, 2002, and No.2002-236660 filed on Aug. 14, 2002, entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a system informationobtaining part obtaining system information identifying which hardwareresources of the image forming apparatus that are available to beconfigured, the system information corresponding to a plurality offunction options available to be selectively set for a predeterminedprocess conducted by said hardware resources; a transmitting parttransmitting said system information in response to an request from asecond apparatus that is connected through a network; an input partdisplaying a screen providing input options generated based on thesystem information and receiving user selections from the screen asinput parameters; a process controlling part controlling saidpredetermined process of said hardware resources based on the inputparameters while no setting parameter has been received and based on thesetting parameter in response to receiving, from the second apparatus,the setting parameter indicating a selected function option of theplurality of the function options that the second apparatus displaysbased on said system information; and a screen generating partgenerating screen information for displaying on the second apparatus theplurality of the function options based on said system informationshowing the plurality of the function options available for thepredetermined process.
 2. The image forming apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, comprising: an application including a screen generating partand said process controlling part; a control service managing thehardware resource and controlling to utilize the hardware resource inresponse to a utilization request from said application; and anoperating system controlling the application and the control service,wherein the predetermined process is a process concerning an image form.3. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising: aresponding part responding by supplying apparatus specific informationincluding an apparatus address identifying said image forming apparatuson the network and an apparatus name in response to a request confirmingwhether or not the predetermined process is available, from the secondapparatus.
 4. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1,comprising at least one of: an input screen generating part generatinginput option information showing the plurality of the input functionoptions concerning an input process for an image from the systeminformation, and generating input screen information for displaying aplurality of function options based on the input option information; animage process screen generating part generating image process optioninformation showing the plurality of the image process function optionsconcerning an image process for the image from the system information,and generating image process screen information for displaying aplurality of function options based on the image process information;and an output process screen generating part generating output optioninformation showing the plurality of the output function optionsconcerning an output process for the image from the system information,and generating output screen information for displaying a plurality offunction options based on the output option information.
 5. The imageforming apparatus as clamed in claim 1, comprising at least one of: aninput controlling part controlling an input process for an image andgenerating input image data; an image process controlling partconducting an image process for the input image data and generatingimage output data to be output; and an output controlling partcontrolling the output process for forming and outputting the image on amedium based on the image output data, as said process controlling part.6. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said inputcontrolling part controls a scanner as said hardware resource to conductsaid input process.
 7. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim5, wherein said output controlling part controls a plotter as saidhardware resource to conduct said output process.
 8. An image formingapparatus, comprising: a screen generating part generating anddisplaying first screen information including a plurality of firstfunction options based on first option information and showing optionsavailable for a first predetermined process; a replacing part replacingsaid first screen information with second screen information including aplurality of second function options available for a selected apparatus,wherein said second screen information is generated based on systeminformation concerning hardware resources of the selected apparatusavailable to be configured and said second screen information is sentfrom the selected apparatus via a network; and a process requesting partrequesting said selected apparatus to conduct a second predeterminedprocess by sending a setting parameter indicating at least one setsecond function option of the plurality of the second function optionsdisplayed based on the second screen information, wherein the selectedapparatus interrupts a local process selected from a screen providinginput options generated based on the system information to conduct thesecond predetermined process in response to receiving the settingparameter sent by the processing requesting part.
 9. The image formingapparatus as claimed in claim 8, comprising at least one of: an inputscreen generating part generating, as the first screen information, aninput screen information for displaying a plurality of input functionoptions based on input option information showing the plurality of theinput function options concerning an input process for an image, saidinput option information selected from said system information; an imageprocess screen generating part generating, as the first screeninformation, an image process screen information for displaying aplurality of image process function options based on image processoption information showing the plurality of image process functionoptions concerning an image process for the image, said image processoption information selected from said system information; and an outputprocess screen generating part generating, as the first screeninformation, an output screen information for displaying a plurality ofoutput function options based on output option information showing theplurality of output function options concerning an output process forthe image, said output option information selected from said systeminformation, as said screen generating part.
 10. The image formingapparatus as claimed in claim 8, comprising at least one of: an inputprocess requesting part requesting said apparatus to conduct the inputprocess by sending input setting parameter showing at least one inputfunction option that is set by the user from the plurality of the inputfunction options available for the input process by said apparatus; animage process requesting part requesting said apparatus to conduct theimage process by sending image process setting parameter showing atleast one image process function option set by the user from theplurality of the image process function options available for the imageprocess by said apparatus; and an output process requesting partrequesting said apparatus to conduct the output process by sendingoutput setting parameter showing at least one output function option setby the user from the plurality of the output function options availablefor the output process by said apparatus, as said process requestingpart.
 11. An image forming method, comprising the steps of: (a)obtaining system information identifying which hardware resources of animage forming apparatus that are available to be configured, the systeminformation corresponding to a plurality of function options availableto be selectively set for a predetermined process conducted by saidhardware resources; (b) transmitting said system information in responseto a request from a second apparatus that is connected through anetwork; (c) displaying a screen providing input options generated basedon the system information; (d) receiving user selections from the screenas input parameters; (e) controlling said predetermined process of saidhardware resources based on the input parameters while no settingparameter has been received and based on the setting parameter inresponse to receiving, from the second apparatus, the setting parameterindicating a selected function option of the plurality of the functionoptions that the second apparatus displays based on said systeminformation; and (f) generating, at the image forming apparatus, screeninformation for displaying on the second apparatus the plurality of thefunction options based on said system information showing the pluralityof the function options available for the predetermined process.
 12. Animage forming method, comprising the steps of: (a) generating anddisplaying first screen information including a plurality of firstfunction options based on first option information and showing optionsavailable for a first predetermined process; (b) replacing said firstscreen information with second screen information including a pluralityof second function options available for a selected apparatus, whereinsaid second screen information is generated based on system informationconcerning hardware resources of the selected apparatus available to beconfigured and said second screen information is sent from the selectedapparatus via a network; (c) requesting said selected apparatus toconduct a second predetermined process by sending a setting parameterindicating at least one set second function option of the plurality ofthe second function options displayed based on the second screeninformation; and (d) interrupting, at the selected apparatus, a localprocess selected from a screen providing input options generated basedon the system information, to conduct the second predetermined processin response to receiving the setting parameter.